This week is Farm Safety Week, and we’re focussing on quad bikes – a major cause of death and serious injury in rural workplaces.
Agriculture, whilst a rewarding industry to work in, is also one of the most dangerous. 115 people have lost their lives on quad bikes in Australia since 2011, and almost two-thirds of those have occurred on farms.
Of the nine quad bike fatalities that have occurred this year already, over half involved rollovers, and two were children (aged 16 and under).
“One of the most effective ways to prevent quad bike injuries and deaths is to critically assess if a quad bike is the right vehicle for the job,” said Safe Work Australia Chief Executive Officer, Ms Michelle Baxter.
“Side-by-side vehicles may be more suitable in rural workplaces where the operator stays seated, and generally has rollover protection structures and restraints like seat belts.”
By taking the necessary precautions, you could be eligible for a rebate in your state. Work health and safety regulators in New South Wales and Victoria are currently running programs to improve quad bike safety, including rebates for quad bike training and buying alternative vehicles.
Farm Safety Week is a nationwide initiative held between 17-21 July 2017, raising awareness of farm safety issues and highlighting practical steps farmers can take to improve work health and safety on farms.
To find out how best to keep yourself, your workers and your family safe in your jurisdiction, contact your local regulator.
Resources: Source: Information compiled by Safe Work Australia (14/07/17).
Of the nine quad bike fatalities that have occurred this year already, over half involved rollovers, and two were children (aged 16 and under).
“One of the most effective ways to prevent quad bike injuries and deaths is to critically assess if a quad bike is the right vehicle for the job,” said Safe Work Australia Chief Executive Officer, Ms Michelle Baxter.
“Side-by-side vehicles may be more suitable in rural workplaces where the operator stays seated, and generally has rollover protection structures and restraints like seat belts.”
By taking the necessary precautions, you could be eligible for a rebate in your state. Work health and safety regulators in New South Wales and Victoria are currently running programs to improve quad bike safety, including rebates for quad bike training and buying alternative vehicles.
Farm Safety Week is a nationwide initiative held between 17-21 July 2017, raising awareness of farm safety issues and highlighting practical steps farmers can take to improve work health and safety on farms.
To find out how best to keep yourself, your workers and your family safe in your jurisdiction, contact your local regulator.
Resources: Source: Information compiled by Safe Work Australia (14/07/17).
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