Farms across NSW often see a spike in visitors over the summer break, with children and families travelling for the holidays.
Farmers are being encouraged to say ‘no’ to guests wanting to use dangerous farm equipment for entertainment while visiting, especially quad bikes and side-by-side vehicles.
Quad bikes are a leading cause of death and serious injury on Australian farms.
Since 2011, quad bikes have been linked to 63 deaths in NSW, with 29 of those cases involving children under the age of 16.
Similarly, side-by-side vehicles have contributed to a further 21 deaths, eight of which were children.
Reports indicate that most child deaths occur when riding as a passenger, around the yard at a low speed and on flat ground.
The main cause of serious injury and death is from quad bike roll over.
Rollover can occur suddenly, even at low speeds and on flat terrain, putting the operator and passenger at risk of injury or death from being thrown from the vehicle, trapped, or crushed beneath it.
SafeWork NSW is reminding anyone visiting a farm these holidays to keep safe by remembering to:
- Stay away from hazards such as livestock, machinery, work sheds and chemicals.
- Know the farm’s no-go zones and emergency procedures.
- Always remove keys from vehicles and machinery.
- Keep a close eye on children around animals, dams, pools, fencing, farm vehicles and machinery.
- Never allow kids under 16 to ride or be a passenger on adult-sized quad bikes.
- Always wear helmets on quad bikes and in side-by-side vehicles.
- Always wear a seatbelt in any vehicle that has one — including SSVs.
SafeWork NSW is also encouraging farmers to consider moving towards drone technology, which offers a safer alternative to quad bikes and SSVs by assisting farmers with checking water points, inspecting and spraying crops, mustering livestock and monitoring fences.
To support farmers in making safer choices, SafeWork NSW is offering eligible businesses a Small Business Rebate of up to $1000 that can be used to improve farm vehicle safety. Items such as drones, roll bars and helmets are available.
Farmers can check their eligibility and apply at tinyurl.com/2s38sbc3
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