Woman dies after being thrown from quad bike south of Perth

A woman has died at a farm in Western Australia's south-west after reportedly being thrown from a quad bike.

The 35-year-old woman was mustering cattle at the time of the incident on Thursday morning near Collie, south of Perth.

Her death is the state's fourth workplace fatality in less than two weeks, raising fresh concerns over farm safety practices across Western Australia.

WorkSafe confirmed it has opened an investigation into the circumstances of the incident, examining whether adequate safety measures were in place at the time.

A Pattern of Quad Bike Fatalities Across Australia

This tragedy follows a troubling trend of quad bike deaths on farms nationwide. Safety professionals have repeatedly flagged these vehicles as high-risk for rollovers and ejection incidents, particularly during mustering cattle operations.

Similar incidents highlight the ongoing danger these vehicles pose to farm workers. A woman died after rolling a quad bike on a Victorian farm, while an elderly man was killed in a quad bike incident in South Australia. Another related report described how a woman died after falling from a horse south of Adelaide, underscoring broader risks in rural and agricultural settings.

Why Farm Safety Investigations Matter

Workplace investigations into fatalities like this one serve a critical purpose: identifying gaps in safety systems before further lives are lost.

For employers managing rural or remote operations, having robust documentation and safety frameworks in place remains essential. Businesses supporting flexible or remote work arrangements should also consider structured guidance such as a Working from Home Management Plan or a supporting Working from Home Policy, ensuring consistent safety standards regardless of work location.

Rural workplaces also face seasonal hazards beyond vehicle-related risks. Employers dealing with extreme weather events may find a Cleaning after Flood and Storm SWMS useful for managing post-disaster clean-up safely.

What Comes Next

WorkSafe's investigation will likely examine training protocols, vehicle maintenance records, and terrain conditions at the property. Findings from such probes often shape future safety guidance for agricultural workers across the country.

Read the original story on the ABC News website.