NSW farms reminded to make quad bike safety a top priority

NSW Farms Reminded to Make Quad Bike Safety a Top Priority

SafeWork NSW is calling on farms to implement strict safety measures for quad bike usage following an incident in which a man sustained injuries, resulting in a fine for the business due to its negligence in fulfilling workplace safety obligations. Quad bikes are high risk vehicles, and this case highlights why rural operators must treat quad bike safety as a regular part of daily operations rather than an afterthought.

Summary: What Happened

A vineyard operator in Central West NSW was fined $195,000 plus legal fees after a 42-year-old farm worker suffered pelvic and back injuries during a backburn task. The business admitted fault for failing to meet its workplace health obligations, reinforcing why choosing the right vehicle and following proper procedures matters on every rural property.

Details of the Incident

The business admitted fault and was ordered to pay $195,000 in addition to legal fees, following an incident in June 2021 where the worker sustained pelvic and back injuries from a quad bike crash while carrying out a backburn at a vineyard. Investigators found the company faced charges for two violations: one regarding safety lapses at the premises and another for not discussing work and risks with the labour supplier.

This outcome demonstrates how gaps in communication between farm owners and labour suppliers can directly contribute to serious harm. Farmers relying on external workers must ensure risks are clearly outlined before tasks begin.

Why Quad Bike Safety Deserves Highest Priority

Quad bikes remain one of the leading causes of injury and death on Australian farms, making safety a matter that demands attention at every level of rural operations. SafeWork NSW is reminding farmers that quad bikes are inherently unstable on uneven terrain, and rollover incidents can occur even during routine tasks like backburning or fence checks.

To reduce risk, farms should:

• Choose the right vehicle for the terrain and task at hand
• Ensure operators wear seatbelts, use helmets, and follow manufacturer guidelines
• Provide clear instructions to labour suppliers and contractors before work begins
• Maintain quad bikes regularly to prevent mechanical failure

Farm owners can also strengthen compliance by reviewing SafeWork NSW's quad bike safety training for kids, part of the broader NSW Quad Bike Safety Improvement Program aimed at reducing incidents across rural life.

Protecting Health and Wellbeing on the Farm

Beyond physical injury, incidents like this one carry lasting effects on worker health and wellbeing. Employers hold a duty to safeguard both the physical and mental health of everyone on site, including contracted workers and labour hire staff.

Farms seeking additional resources should consider documented procedures covering high-risk tasks. SafetyDocs offers practical resources such as the Fire Prevention on Farms SOP, which addresses backburning and related fire risks, alongside the Children on Farms SOP for properties where family members may be present during operations.

Lessons for Other High-Risk Equipment

This case echoes similar warnings issued across other industries. SafeWork NSW has previously reminded businesses to prioritise safety when operating forklifts, while WorkSafe has urged workplaces to treat scissor lift operations with the same level of caution, as outlined in this piece on making safety a top priority when operating scissor lifts. Consistent enforcement across sectors signals a broader regulatory push toward eliminating preventable workplace injuries.

Building a Culture of Safety

Farms wanting to strengthen their approach can explore safety software to track compliance obligations and incident reporting more effectively. Reviewing existing policies, such as an Electrical Safety Policy, can also reveal gaps in broader workplace safety documentation that may apply beyond quad bike operations.

For businesses unsure where to start, SafetyDocs' support team can help identify which templates and resources best suit specific farm operations.

Final Word

This case serves as a stark reminder that quad bike safety cannot be treated as optional. Rural employers must prioritise structured training, proper equipment selection, and transparent communication with all workers, including contractors, to prevent further tragedies on Australian farms.

Read more here.