New quad bike safety regulations put into effect in Queensland

Queensland has introduced new regulations to ensure the protection of workers' health and safety when using or travelling on a quad bike in a workplace. This new regulation follows extensive consultation with industry stakeholders across rural and metropolitan sectors alike.

In summary: the Work Health and Safety (Quad Bikes) Amendment Regulation 2024 sets out age restrictions, passenger limitations, and mandatory helmet use for anyone operating quad bikes for work purposes in Queensland.

What changed under the new quad bike safety regulations?

Implementation of this amendment brings about several changes, including enforcement of age restrictions, limitations on passengers, and mandatory helmets for quad bikes used for work across the state.

• Age restrictions now apply — younger operators are no longer permitted to ride adult-sized quad bikes intended for older riders.
• Passenger numbers are limited, reducing overload risks that contribute to rollover incidents.
• Helmets are compulsory for every rider, with strict enforcement expected on worksites.

Why these changes matter for work health and safety

“The state's work health and safety laws are amongst the best in the world, and this is another addition to our safety arsenal,” Office of Industrial Relations Deputy Director General Peter McKay said.

“These changes mean safer work for anyone using a quad bike. It brings greater clarity to who can use quad bikes and how to use them to keep Queenslanders safe.”

Workplace health outcomes depend heavily on clear guidance, and these updated laws remove much of the ambiguity that previously surrounded quad bike use on job sites. Businesses managing fleets of quad bikes should review current practices against the new safety standard without delay.

Supporting safer outcomes across industries

Employers in construction, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors rely on quad bikes daily, so understanding health and safety obligations under this regulation protects both workers and business operations. For further context on the broader push toward safer quad bike use statewide, see our coverage of the safety campaign aimed at reducing quad bike related deaths in Queensland.

These updates sit alongside other recent efforts to strengthen workplace protections, including new regulations designed to bolster workplace safety standards across Queensland.

For more information, visit the Workplace Health and Safety Queensland website.