Farmers Urged to Prioritize Safety Around Farm Vehicles Following Three Fatalities This Year

SafeWork NSW is issuing crucial safety reminders to farmers regarding the use of sideby-side vehicles, quad bikes, and motorcycles, emphasizing the importance of wearing seatbelts, helmets, and selecting appropriate vehicles. This initiative comes in response to a series of incidents resulting in severe injuries or fatalities, including children, involving farm vehicles.

In the most recent incident on February 14 in Coonamble, a 37-year-old man and a four-year-old child sustained serious injuries after being ejected from a quad bike. Initial investigations suggest that neither individual was wearing a helmet. SafeWork is actively investigating this incident, alongside three other fatalities that have occurred since January 1.

The frst incident, on January 8 in Goohli, involved a side-by-side vehicle driven by an adult with two child passengers, mustering cattle. Tragically, the ATV rolled into a dam, resulting in the death of one child occupant. Initial fndings indicate that none of the occupants were wearing seatbelts.

On January 25 in Narromine, a 51-yearold man died after being ejected from a moving side-by-side vehicle while undertaking farm-related work. Once again, initial inquiries suggest that the seatbelt was not utilized. Subsequently, on February 1, a 32-year-old female contractor suffered fatal injuries after being thrown from a motorbike on a property east of Tibooburra, while not wearing a helmet.

SafeWork emphasizes the importance of utilizing all available safety features when operating side-by-side vehicles, including seatbelts and helmets. These measures signifcantly reduce the risk of fatal or serious injuries in the event of a rollover.

Statistics reveal the severity of farm vehicle incidents, with more than 56 deaths in NSW from quad bike accidents since 2001, and an additional 20 fatalities involving side-by-side vehicles. Rollovers can occur even at low speeds and on fat terrain, leaving riders trapped or crushed under the quad bike.

For farmers continuing to use quad bikes, SafeWork advises strict adherence to manufacturer instructions, particularly regarding load limits and load balance. Heavy or unstable loads, such as chemical tanks for spraying, can compromise braking, shift the vehicle’s center of gravity, and increase the likelihood of rollovers.

SafeWork NSW remains committed to raising awareness and promoting safety measures to prevent farm vehicle-related incidents, urging farmers to prioritize the use of seatbelts, helmets, and appropriate vehicle selection for enhanced safety on the farm.

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