Within the space of 2 weeks New Zealand has seen 4 fatal accidents involving quad bikes. WorkSafe NZ is urging the rural community to reassess the risks associated with quad bikes and the inherent risk of roll-overs. The fatalities, which occurred between 18 July and 30 July 2024 in Wairarapa, Canterbury, Southland, and Northland, coincide with the beginning of the lambing and calving season.
WorkSafe is currently investigating all four incidents. Graham Bates, WorkSafe's Principal Inspector, expressed condolences to the affected families and communities, highlighting the concerning trend these fatalities represent. He emphasised the importance of conducting thorough risk assessments of terrain and tasks before operating quad bikes, particularly given the variable weather and ground conditions during this season. Bates noted that sloped surfaces and steep terrain were contributing factors in some of the recent cases.
Farm vehicle incidents are one of the leading causes of workplace deaths in New Zealand, making Agriculture a priority sector under WorkSafe's new safety strategy. This strategy aims to target the most significant risks and collaborate with the Agricultural sector to enhance health and safety practices.
Bates stressed that, despite the constant demands and task reprioritisation in farming, safety must not be compromised, as those working daily on the ground have the most power to prevent loss of life or injury.
Interesting to note that back in 2019 WorkSafe updated their
policy on quad bikes to "strongly recommend" the use of CPDs (Crush Protection Devices) on quad bikes, and further CPDs were being subsidised by ACC also.
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Back then statistics told us that 5 deaths a year were accounted for from the use of quad bikes. It's clear the problem is worse than ever and when you see that
WorkSafe's "Safe Use of Quad Bikes" appears to not have been updated since the Health & Safety in Employment 1992 Act maybe it's time for a more focused effort in this regard.