There are believed to be over 80,000 quad bikes in New Zealand - most of them are used on farms. While they appear to be the farm vehicle of choice, they are a leading cause of injuries across NZ farms. Quad bikes can be a thrilling way to get the job done, but they come with their own set of risks.
A lot of us have heard at least one story about someone getting seriously injured by a quad bike. Even though quad bikes look tough and are usually sold as ‘all terrain vehicles', they're not safe on every kind of terrain and they're prone to flipping. The quad bike's setup needs a lot of coordination, strength, smarts, and experience to be driven safely. We're not here to give you orders on how to run your farm, we’re going to look at common incidents, the importance of protective gear, and tips for safe riding.
Getting to know the most common accidents
In New Zealand, there is an average of five people killed each year due to incidents on farm. You shouldn't be shocked to read that there are another 100, or so, really severe injuries. Between 2019 and 2023, there were 22 deaths linked to quad bikes in New Zealand, with most of them happening because of rollovers and going down really steep hills.
From the 18th to 30th of July 2024, WorkSafe recorded another four farmer fatalities due to quad bike accidents. The first one happened on July 18 in Wairarapa. After that, there was another on July 22 in Canterbury, followed by an incident on July 26 in Southland. With the latest occurring on July 30 in Northland.
We can’t ignore the headlines:
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WorkSafe issues quad bike warning after four farmers die over three weeks
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Four farmers killed in NZ in three weeks from quad bike roll-overs
Every farm is unique. It’s up to the rider to figure out what dangers are around, think about how likely those dangers are to happen, and make choices based on what's safest. People who don't know much about the specific quad bike or the farm terrain, are more likely to get hurt. Falling off the bike, rolling over and colliding with objects are the top culprits.
What does the law say?
The main law that deals with work health and safety in New Zealand is the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA). As a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) you must ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, the health and safety of your employees, contractors and visitors on-site.
If a risk can’t be eliminated, you must take steps to minimise it so far as is reasonably practicable. This means:
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Offering a safe work environment
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Providing the appropriate training, instruction and supervision
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Ensure employees agree to health and safety policies and procedures
Employees must also take reasonable care.
Image: In 2014 WorkSafe NZ said CPDs were a matter of personal choice. Now they strongly recommend you have a CPD installed as well as always wearing a helmet.
Wear a helmet at all times the vehicle is being ridden
Quad bike riders should know how to ride safely. They should be familiar with the best paths to take, no-go zones and what tasks are better done on a quad bike than with a motor bike or other farm vehicles. Make sure to prioritise the health and safety of others by choosing the right farm vehicle for the task to avoid risks. Wearing the right gear can make a huge difference in preventing injuries.
We know you hate hearing it: to stay safe while riding quad bikes on farm, always wear a helmet - whether on or off the road.
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The helmet should fit the rider properly, be tightly fastened and kept in good condition
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According to WorkSafe, the NZS 8600:2002 helmet is suitable for off-road activities at speeds under 30km/h
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It is recommended to use a motorcycle helmet approved for road use
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Personal protective equipment (PPE) is recommended - long pants , eye protection, gloves and sturdy boots
What every quad bike rider should know - only 15% of quad bikes on NZ farms have some form of Rollover Protection Device
The chance of your quad bike tipping over might increase based on what you're doing and the ground you're on. Past history has shown us quad bike incidents can happen to inexperienced and experienced rides. It only takes a moment of inattention, faster speeds, a hilly incline or bumpy surface to increase the risk of tipping or roll over. Quad bike rollovers often result in the rider being stuck underneath the bike or worse, crushed by its weight.
Unlike other farm vehicles - utes or tractors, a quad bike does not have a cab or a space to offer some protection. WorkSafe amongst other farm safety resources have noted (and we couldn’t agree more), “It’s possible CPDs could cause injuries but, like wearing a seatbelt in a car, they may also save lives.” Yes, during an incident a CPD might present risk of injury, but we’d rather a broken limb if it means we get to go home that night. Crush protection devices give the rider space under a flipped quad bike, the idea is to spread out the weight which will eventually roll off the person.
Image: Choosing the right farm vehicle for the task. Side-by-side vehicles can be an alternative to quad bikes when used correctly.
Stay safe on four wheels
Here are some tips to help keep everyone safe on the farm and around quad bikes:
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Make sure everything's good to go before hopping on the bike - consider a pre-start checklist
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Ensure your bike is in good condition with regular maintenance and repairs
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Only use compatible attachments for their intended purpose
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Don't go over the weight limits
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Don't overload a quad bike or a trailer
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Make sure to turn off the quad bike before starting any other task
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Let someone know where you are heading and your expected return time
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Never ride a quad bike under the influence
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Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines
Top safety tips you can't ignore
While we aren’t expecting you to change how you go about your day on farm, hopefully some of our suggestions can alter how you would traditionally approach a task. While quad biking on farm can be an exhilarating experience, health and safety should always come first. By understanding the risks, wearing the right gear, and practicing safe riding habits, you can protect yourself and your employees. A little caution and risk management goes a long way.
Topics: Health and Safety Management System
Disclaimer: Content on this blog may be of relevance to users outside of New Zealand, but content links and examples are specific to New Zealand. Please check with your local authority for your country and industry requirements.
