At the recent SI Fieldays I took a look around the different makes of farm quads that were for sale. The size, power and technology has advanced a huge amount since I was farming just 8 years ago ,and I can understand if riding errors occur, how you can get hurt.
The accident rate using these machines has reached serious levels, and the Department of Labour is now operating a spot check campaign on farms to ensure they are safe, and operators know how to ride them, and are wearing helmets.
All farmers should be aware of the Harm Reduction campaign, and make sure all who ride them abide by the recomendations to prevent any on farm injuries.
Marlborough farmers using quad motorcycles are being warned that they can expect a visit from Department of Labour inspectors at any time over the next two months. Labour Department Nelson Marlborough service manager Annette Baxter said inspectors would visit farms in Marlborough and Nelson to check that quad bikes were being used safely. The number of visits planned was under wraps, but farmers should know that inspectors "could turn up at any stage", she said re[ports The Marlborough Express.
Inspectors will check that farmers and their staff are well trained, using the right vehicle for the job and wearing helmets. They will also make sure that adult-sized quad bikes – those over 90cc – are not being used by anyone aged under 16. Spot fines cannot be imposed on anyone not using quad bikes safely, but warnings, stopping bikes being used until safety problems are fixed or, in extreme cases, prosecution could take place.
"Enforcement doesn't necessarily mean prosecution. It depends on what we find and the attitude of the farmer. "We want to get compliance to prevent accidents. We try to work with people." On average, five people are killed and 850 hurt each year while riding quad bikes on farms. Eight people were injured in Marlborough last year. The Labour Department started the Harm Reduction campaign, which includes safety guidelines, in November 2010 to raise awareness about quad bike safety.
1 Comments
Mein Fuehrer
We are nearly there, we now have the ability to enforce laws retricting behaviour on farms
Enforcement doesn't necessarily mean prosecution. It depends on what we find and the attitude of the farmer. "
Soon we will enter their houses then their bedrooms we will suceed where you failed we will conquer theose who fought for the very thing we now take from them and they react like baby lambs, beaten men, whimpering with no leadership. It will be a walk in the park. Liberal Fascism shall be the future and your time to return is near
Sieg Heil
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