Two deaths on NSW farms in the span of one day prompts safety alert

SafeWork NSW is urging farm workers to exercise care while operating side-by-side vehicles and quad bikes, following two tragic fatalities that occurred within a 24-hour period.

A man died on a Peelwood farm at 2.45pm on Tuesday (26 November) after the quad bike he was riding tipped over.

On Wednesday, November 27, at around 1pm, a farm manager lost his life due to drowning on a property situated between Orange and Dubbo after the side-by-side vehicle he was operating overturned and fell into a creek.

Quad Bike and Side-by-Side Fatalities Across NSW

According to SafeWork, more than 57 people have died in NSW due to quad bike-related incidents since 2001. In addition, there have been 21 fatalities involving side-by-side vehicles.

These figures highlight why farm equipment must be treated as hazardous machinery rather than routine transport. Quad bikes and side-by-side vehicles remain some of the most dangerous plant equipment used across rural Australia, and operators need proper training before using this equipment on uneven or wet terrain.

SafeWork's Message to Farm Workers

The head of SafeWork, Trent Curtin, said it is essential for farm managers and workers to review their safety measures to avert similar incidents.

"Remember the safety features on your vehicle could save your life. Just by wearing a helmet you reduce the risk of fatality in a quad bike incident by 40 per cent," he said.

"I want to remind all farmers and workers using quad bikes and side-by-side vehicles to please take care."

Why Equipment Maintenance and Training Matter

Hazardous conditions on farms are rarely limited to the equipment itself — terrain, weather, and fatigue all contribute to incidents involving quad bikes. Regular inspection of plant equipment, combined with quality training programs, gives workers a far better chance of avoiding rollovers and other serious accidents.

Employers should also ensure that safety documentation covering quad bike operation, side-by-side vehicle use, and general farm plant equipment is current and accessible. A well-documented Job Safety Analysis can help identify risks before workers begin tasks involving this equipment.

For farms managing multiple hazards, reviewing broader safety software solutions can support ongoing compliance and quality recordkeeping across all plant and equipment use.

Supporting Safer Farms Going Forward

Farm safety extends beyond vehicle operation. Employers should also consider fire prevention procedures and, where children are present, dedicated safe operating procedures for children on farms, since quality safety planning across every risk area reduces the likelihood of tragedy.

Other recent incidents, such as the one detailed in our report on a crush incident that prompted RSHQ to issue a safety alert, reinforce the importance of maintaining rigorous care around heavy plant equipment. Similarly, our coverage of a fatal firework blast that prompted a WorkSafe safety alert shows how quickly hazardous conditions can turn deadly without proper precaution.

SafeWork also recommends farmers use occasions like National Agriculture Day and the World Day for Safety and Health at Work to review quad bike protocols, inspect plant equipment, and reinforce a culture of care among workers.

For additional information, please refer to this link.