Farms lag in helmet use on quad bikes

The safety record of farmers and farm employees on quad bikes is poor, and The Department of Labour is driving a campaign to improve this.

The four steps to prevent injury seem sensible enough, and now it's up to users to accept responsibility or face fines for non compliance. Farmers have vigoursly opposed statutory bodies imposing restriction on the way they farm, but the appalling safety record with these vehicles speaks for itself.

A no claim discount for a good safety record for farm ACC payments would be a good financial incentive for responsible driving behaviour, that may be more attractive than fines for non compliance.

Do you and your employees wear helmets and what measures have you taken to improve safety on quad farm bikes?

Random visits to Southland farms by Department of Labour inspectors shows 90 per cent of riders do not wear safety helmets while using quad bikes, despite having helmets on hand. Health and safety inspector Steve Phillips said the results were disheartening reports The Southland Times. The department was targeting the safe use of quad bikes as part of an enforcement campaign, with the wearing of helmets now compulsory on farms. Random farm visits around Southland were part of the process to reduce the number of injuries and deaths linked to quad bikes, with letters recently sent out to farmers advising them of their obligations.

"You've got to take that extra step and get them to wear their helmets. Farms are work places, so farmers have the same duties under the Health and Safety Act as other employers." Farms where helmets were not worn would be issued with a warning letter, and would be revisited by an inspector to check compliance, he said."No-one's been fined at this stage, but they've all received warning letters and if we find a similar situation in future, we can issue a fine." Penalties ranged from $100 to $3000.

The Department of Labour was hoping for a 30 per cent reduction in harm or deaths, with the safety campaign running through to 2013. "Ultimately, we want to stop farmers and their workers from being hurt or killed by these bikes." Training was also crucial for safety. A formal quad bike safety course was the best form of instruction, he said. The department began its Harm Reduction Campaign to raise awareness about quad bike safety in November last year. Since April 1, inspectors had been visiting farms as part of the first enforcement phase of the campaign.

The Department of Labour's four steps to prevent Injury: Ensure riders are trained or experienced enough to do the job.Choose the right vehicle for the job.Always wear a helmet.Do not let children ride adult quad bikes.