• Forklift safety
• Managing asbestos
• Needle-stick injuries
• Occupational stress
• Personal protective equipment
• Quad bikes
• Slips, trips and falls
• Sun safety
• Working with electricity
• Workplace harassment

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Quad bikes

Quad bikes (previously known as all-terrain vehicles or ATVs) are widely used due to their adaptability, low running cost and perceived ease of operation.

A large proportion of quad bike injuries result from sideways, backward and forward roll overs. To reduce the risk of quad bike incidents, operators should be trained in safe rider practices.

Selecting a quad bike

When choosing a quad bike there are a number of factors to consider, including:

• the intended use of the quad bike
• the type of terrain and ground conditions
• power and speed requirements
• suspension and brakes
• centre of gravity
• drive mechanism and gearing
• rider's competence, ability and experience.

Safety checks – the bike

The quad bike's usability should be checked prior to use.

Consider and check if:

• there is another type of farm machinery that could be a safer option (e.g. small tractor or utility vehicle)
• fitting of attachments is appropriate for the use
• the bike is maintained to the manufacturer's specifications (e.g. brakes work and tyres are inflated to the correct pressure).

Safety checks – the operator

Operators need significant experience in various terrain and conditions depending on the power and type of quad bike being used.

Operators should:

• have undertaken training or have sufficient experience before operating a quad bike (particularly when riding on steep slopes, at speed or with attachments)
• wear personal protective equipment suitable to the task being undertaken (helmets, gloves and eye protection)
• never carry passengers unless the quad bike is specifically designed to do so (e.g. side by side quad bikes).

Safety checks – the environment

Operators should be aware of:

• attachments or loads being too heavy, unequally distributed or not secure
• the risks posed by poor maintenance of brakes, suspension and tyres
• being struck by an object (e.g. overhanging branch)
• the possibility of rollover from striking an object hidden by long grass (e.g. logs, rocks and drains).