On 6 April 2019, a farmer was fatally injured after coming off a quad bike in Myrup near Esperance. The tragedy follows an earlier incident in December 2018 when a 17-year-old youth also died when he came off a quad bike on a farm in the Great Southern region.
Possible contributing factors in incidents of this type
- Quad bikes may roll over and cause serious injury or death, particularly if used on uneven ground, at high speed or to carry heavy or uneven loads.
- Quad bikes are not all-terrain vehicles and should not be used on rough or steep sloping surfaces.
- Operators who are ejected or fall from a quad bike are susceptible to serious injury or death.
- Operating quad bikes without appropriate protection including a helmet, long sleeved clothing and footwear increases the risk of serious injury or death.
- Failing to appropriately maintain and service a quad bike increases the risk of malfunction while it is operating.
- Inexperienced and untrained quad bike operators are at increased risk of not ensuring the vehicles are always operated safely.
Managing hazards and risks
- Consider using alternative suitable farm vehicles to travel around farms.
- Identify and avoid any hazardous areas on farms where rough or steep terrain makes quad bike operation unsuitable.
- Ensure all operators are provided with an appropriate level of training, instruction and supervision in the safe use of quad bikes.
- Ensure all quad bike operators always wear the appropriate PPE such as motorcycle helmets, long sleeved clothing and footwear.
- Familiarise operators with the manufacturer’s operation manual and safety warnings and recommendations.
- Ensure that quad bikes are consistently well maintained and serviced.
Further information
The above information is provided based on WorkSafe’s preliminary investigation and further investigation is continuing.