Reducing quad bike injuries in focus at industry meeting
A quad bike safety body has conducted a meeting in Griffith, with the primary focus of improving quad bike safety in NSW.
The Quad Bike Safety Industry Action Group is part of the NSW Government’s quad bike safety improvement program, which encourages and supports farmers to implement safety measures to reduce quad bike injuries on farms.
The group comprises representatives from the rural and farming sectors, motor vehicle manufacturing industry, government and emergency services.
The meeting included a briefing from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission on its investigation into quad bike safety, as well as an update on the status of the quad bike safety improvement program and quad bike training programs.
SafeWork NSW Executive Director Peter Dunphy said the group plays a vital role in reducing quad bike-related injuries and fatalities.
“Quad bikes are a leading cause of death on Australian properties, with more than 230 deaths since 2001 and thousands more people seriously injured,” he said.
“The group has a critical role in advising on and promoting quad bike safety activities to help achieve our target of no quad bike-related injuries or deaths in NSW by 2022.”
Members of the group include Local Land Services, Country Women’s Association, Department of Primary Industries – Tocal College, NSW Farmers Association, Australian Workers Union, Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, Australian Quad Distributors Association, Motor Traders Association, Westpac Rescue Helicopter and the Royal Flying Doctors Service and SafeWork NSW.
The quad bike safety improvement program encourages and supports farmers to adopt a range of harm prevention strategies to protect workers, family members and themselves.
As part of the program, the NSW Government offers two rebates worth up to $1000 each towards the purchase of compliant helmets, operator protective devices and the purchase of a safer side-by-side vehicle. To apply for rebates, visit www.nswfarmers.org.au.
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