Five people killed in quad bike incidents this year, Safe Work Australia figures reveal

Five People Killed in Quad Bike Incidents This Year, Safe Work Australia Figures Reveal

Five people have died in quad bike related incidents in Australia this year, according to Safe Work Australia data. Quad bikes remain one of the most hazardous types of agricultural plant used on rural properties, with fatalities occurring across several states.

Two of the fatalities occurred in NSW, including that of a 14 year-old girl who was fatally injured after crashing her quad bike on a rural property last month. The remaining three incidents took place in the Northern Territory, Victoria and Western Australia.

Quad Bike Deaths in Context

In 2022, ten fatal quad bike incidents were recorded across Australia. While this year's figures show a decline, quad bikes continue to pose a serious risk to operators, particularly on farms where uneven terrain and heavy loads increase the chance of rollovers.

This pattern reflects a broader trend documented in our earlier coverage of seven Australians killed in quad bike incidents this year and an update noting four people killed on quad bikes so far this year, both of which tracked rising fatality counts throughout previous reporting periods.

Why Quad Bikes Present a Persistent Risk

Quad bikes are classified as hazardous plant under workplace health and safety frameworks, meaning employers and property owners carry legal obligations to manage associated risk. A recent study into rural vehicle safety found that inexperienced or underage operators face a significantly higher risk of serious injury or death compared to trained adults.

Key risk factors include:

• Operating plant without appropriate training or supervision
• Riding on steep or uneven ground where rollover risk increases
• Carrying passengers or loads beyond manufacturer specifications
• Allowing children to operate adult-sized plant unsupervised

For further background on how national statistics are compiled, see our report on Safe Work Australia's updated work-related fatality data for this year, which provides additional information on how incidents are recorded and classified nationally.

Managing Quad Bike Risk on Your Property

Businesses operating quad bikes or other hazardous plant should maintain documented safety procedures. A well-prepared Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) outlines the steps required to control plant-related hazards before work begins.

Related SWMS templates covering hazardous plant operation include our Rigging Safe Work Procedure, Jigsaw Safe Work Method Statement, and Linisher Safe Work Method Statement, each designed to help businesses meet plant safety obligations.

Employers are also encouraged to review resources available through National Safe Work Month 2023 promotions, which highlight practical tools for reducing workplace incidents involving plant and equipment.

Source: Safe Work Australia.