The National Farmers Union Scotland (NFUS) and Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) are joining forces to promote the issue.
And their work has been welcomed by South Scotland MSP Emma Harper, who has herself been spearheading a campaign urging farmers to wear a helmet when driving an ATV.
She revealed that each year in Scotland around 1000 farmers are admitted to hospital with preventable head injuries.
And she said the south of Scotland has the second highest level of head injuries in Scotland – which campaigners believe is partly attributable to accidents on farms.
Ms Harper said: “I am thrilled to see this project moving forward and action being taken by the NFUS and SRUC to promote helmet safety on quad bikes.
“After talking with farmers, it became apparent that many would like to wear a helmet, but simply can’t because many aren’t suitable for agricultural tasks because conventional helmets cover the face and mouth.”
She contacted helmet company Logic, who have designed a suitable helmet which will be available at this weekend’s show and the MSP is urging farmers to go along and give it a try.
Owen Fielding from Compass Brain Injury specialists added: “I have lived in rural parts of Dumfries and Galloway since 1996 and used to work on farms. To date, I have only seen one farmer wearing a helmet while using a quad bike, despite many farmers using their quad vehicle on roads to access their fields; seemingly oblivious to the fact that they are putting their own lives and wellbeing at risk.
“Helmets can and do save lives, and prevent serious injury.”
Compass are working with Ms Harper to raise awareness and have some helmets to donate to Dumfries and Galloway farmers.
