In response to a recent incident where a worker was injured, SafeWork NSW is increasingly emphasising the necessity of strict quad bike safety measures on farms. Integrated Agricultural Developments Pty Ltd, an agricultural company, fell short in its workplace responsibilities and faces financial repercussions as a result. The company pleaded guilty and now faces a fine amounting to $195,000, in addition to legal fees.
A 42-year-old farmhand sourced from a labour service sustained serious injuries, including pelvis and back fractures, after a quad bike accident. He was stationed at a vineyard owned by Integrated Agricultural Developments when his quad bike rolled during a backburn near Orange, June 2021.
The company, running vineyards throughout Central Tablelands, faced prosecution for two offences. The first concerns were due to lapses in safety measures observed within their workplaces. In addition, the second offence relates to their failure to communicate properly with the hiring agency concerning workplace tasks and associated risks.
The conviction surrounding the case was made official on 27th June 2024, giving the company a standard 28 days after this date to contest the ruling. A significant safety issue neglected by the company included the lack of enforcement on the wearing of helmets and fitting an operator protective device while operating quad bikes.
Quad bikes, along with tractors, side-by-side vehicles and other machinery, are predominantly involved in fatalities connected to farming. Incredible statistics show that over 56 deaths in NSW since 2001 have revolved around quad bike accidents. Bluesafe SWMS, also known as Safe Work Method Statements, offer a practical solution assisting users in assessing and managing workplace risks, highlighting their asset to any agricultural business.
SafeWork NSW advises all quad bike users, particularly farmers, to abide strictly by the manufacturer’s guidelines, especially concerning load limits and achieving balance in loading. Correct loading can significantly affect braking and transactions, problematic loads such as chemical tanks for spraying can alter the centre of gravity. This situation makes the vehicle harder to control and more likely to roll over.
Free counselling services are provided by SafeWork NSW for farmers seeking to formulate safety action plans. This opportunity allows them eligibility for a $1000 rebate that they can invest in farm improvements. Further information around quad bike safety and other workplace safety guidelines can be accessed on the NSW Government website. The legal judgement related to this case is also available on the Caselaw NSW website.
Bluesafe WHS Management System, a complete set of work health and safety policies, provides an excellent tool for managing safety at workplaces. By neglecting workplace safety, your business may not only face hefty fines, but it could gamble with workers’ lives. As Trent Curtin, the head of SafeWork NSW said, now is the ideal time to reassess your farm’s safety measures and take every necessary step to ensure your workplace is indeed safe.
Original article link: https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/news/safework-media-releases/ignoring-quad-bike-safety-is-not-worth-the-cost