Worksafe Victoria’s call for mandatory roll over or crush protection devices to be fitted to quad bikes has been welcomed by Farmsafe Australia.
Farmsafe chair, Charles Armstrong said the group “have been working towards promoting a safer quad bike for use on Australian farms.
“Farmers have been confused by the mixed messages coming from quad manufacturers. This requirement draws a line in the sand and provides a clear direction for farmers.”
“We look forward to other states also moving on this issue as we simply need to reduce the fatal and serious injuries that are continuing unabated in the agricultural sector.”
Quad bike manufacturers backed by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries have run a campaign against fitting quad bike ROPS or Crush Protection Devices claiming the devices can cause “more injuries than they prevent”.
A website run by the manufacturers, atvsafety.com.au, says “we are opposed to the use of ROPS or CPDs on ATVs because of international research which found that all ROPS and CPDs examined at the time posed an unacceptably high risk of creating new injuries.”
The group including 11 importers of 16 brands of motorcycles and quad bikes including Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Can-Am.
Safe Work Australia statistics list 22 fatalities from quad bike accidents in 2015 with 12 the result of roll overs and the balance ‘collision’ accidents. The data lists 11 of the deaths as occurring in ‘recreation’ situations.
WorkSafe Victoria has not made clear a timetable or requirements for the mandatory fitting of ROPS or CPD but Farmsafe says it supports a program like the tractor ROPS rollout in the 1990s.
“Farmsafe would support a program similar to the tractor ROPS rebate scheme that saw over 12,000 ROPS in Victoria alone fitted back in the 1990’s,” Mr Armstrong said.
“We know this resulted in major reductions in deaths and injuries, and there is no reason to believe that a similar program for CPDs would not be just as successful.”
Farmsafe said everyone involved in manufacturing, selling and using quads had responsibilities toward safety.
“This step in Victoria raises the bar on safety and will become a part of an overall safety program that includes no children or passengers on quads and the wearing of helmets,” a statement said.
“This will reduce the needless deaths and injuries. Farmsafe Australia will also continue to support similar approaches in other states.”
