Thirteen people killed by quad bikes in 2021

Thirteen people killed by quad bikes in 2021 marks a significant improvement on the previous year, according to figures from Safe Work Australia. In 2020, 24 people were killed in quad bike incidents, the highest annual death toll in nearly a decade, highlighting how hazardous these vehicles remain across Australian workplaces and rural properties.

The figures show Queensland and NSW each recorded five fatalities. Remaining three deaths occurred in Victoria, South Australia, and the Northern Territory. More than half of those who died in quad bike incidents in 2021 were involved in rollovers, one of the most common hazards associated with this type of machinery.

Why Quad Bike Safety Remains a Critical Issue

Since 2011, 150 people have been killed in quad bike-related incidents, underscoring persistent hazards linked to their design and use across farming, construction, and other industries. Rollover risk, uneven terrain, and inadequate operator training all contribute to ongoing fatalities.

Organisations responsible for managing work health and safety must treat quad bike operation as a priority risk area. A robust safety standard for vehicle use, combined with regular training and maintenance checks, helps reduce exposure to preventable harm.

Key Safety Considerations for Quad Bike Operators

• Always wear an approved helmet and appropriate protective clothing
• Ensure vehicles meet the required safety standard before use
• Avoid overloading or carrying passengers unless the vehicle is designed for it
• Provide operators with proper training before allowing independent use
• Regularly inspect vehicles for mechanical faults that could increase hazards

Employers have a duty under work health and safety obligations to identify hazardous tasks involving quad bikes and implement controls that protect both workers and family members who may use these vehicles on rural properties.

Reducing Quad Bike Fatalities Through Better Practices

Improving safety outcomes requires a combination of engineering controls, operator competency, and organisational commitment. Businesses should review their safe work method statements regularly to ensure quad bike tasks reflect current best practice and comply with the relevant safety standard.

Our ATV and Quad Bikes SWMS template helps businesses document safe operating procedures, reducing exposure to known hazards and supporting compliance with health and safety expectations.

For context on how these figures compare across recent years, read our related articles: Ten people killed by quad bikes in 2022, Four people killed on quad bikes so far this year, and 7 Australians killed on quad bikes so far this year.

Source: Safe Work Australia.