Most quad bikes comply with national safety standards - ACCC

The Australian Composition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) reports that 94 per cent of new quad bikes meet national safety standards, more than a year after the legislation came into force.

"It's encouraging to see compliance with the standard has improved from eighty-four per cent in 2021 to 94 per cent this year," ACCC Deputy Chair Mick Keogh said. "It shows that manufacturers and dealers are taking their obligations seriously and have cooperated with our investigations, taking steps to fix problems when necessary."

Why Quad Bike Safety Standards Matter

Quad bikes remain the leading cause of death on Australian farms. According to Safe Work Australia, there were eleven quad-bike fatalities in 2021. So far this year, nine people have been killed in quad-bike incidents, underscoring why ongoing compliance with the quad bike standard is critical for rural workplaces.

Under the national safety standard, suppliers must ensure every unit sold across Australia satisfies strict design and stability requirements before reaching customers. Second-hand imported quad bikes must comply with these same rules, closing a gap that previously allowed non-compliant models onto farms and worksites.

What the ACCC Findings Reveal

Of the quad bikes assessed under the scheme, most were found compliant, reflecting a marked shift in industry attitude since the standard's introduction. Businesses reviewing their obligations can benefit from checking out a guide to starting with a safety management plan in Australia to strengthen broader workplace safety practices alongside vehicle compliance.

Farm operators using all-terrain vehicles should also consult tailored documentation, such as an ATV quad bike SWMS template, to support safe operating procedures on-site and reduce accidents linked to poor task planning.

Ongoing Compliance Efforts

Regulators continue monitoring supply chains to ensure improvement trends hold steady, echoing similar enforcement pushes seen in other sectors. For example, SafeWork NSW's construction blitz aims to ensure compliance with safety standards, demonstrating a broader national commitment toward safer equipment and worksites.

Businesses looking to keep pace with evolving obligations can find further support through SafetyDocs' business safety templates support page, plus insights from kicking 2023 off with safety at the forefront.

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