A Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health investigation found that Manitoba Hydro employees working at a hydro diesel generating plant fueling site near Brochet, MB, were in breach of OHS laws.

Manitoba Hydro pleaded guilty to failing to ensure that a worker possessed Manitoba Hydro F100 All Terrain Vehicle or equivalent certification prior to performing assigned tasks requiring the use of a Polaris Sportsman ATV.

A Manitoba Crown Corporation has been fined $75,000 for letting young workers operate an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) without possessing the required training or certification.

Here are some safety tips relating to the operation of all-terrain vehicles, courtesy of Alberta Agriculture and Forestry:

• Plan your travel route, drive at a reasonable speed, and pay attention.
• Don’t make tight turns and when driving downhill, drive straight down—not at an angle.
• Stay in low gear when climbing hills to reduce the chances of a back flip. Avoid sudden turns and don’t rev the throttle or pop the clutch.
• Always wear a helmet approved for ATV or motorcycle use and wear proper protective clothing, including boots, gloves, long pants and proper eye protection.