• Quad bikes in the workplace
• Safety tips when operating a quad bike
• Quad bike training

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Quad bikes in the workplace

The risks
Risk assessment
Quick checks
What are my responsibilities?

Quad bikes (also known as All Terrain Vehicles ATV’s) have become a highly utilised item of machinery, in recent years, due to their adaptability, low running cost and easy operation. Quad bikes are widely used by farmers, local governments, search and rescue teams, recreation clubs and for adventure tourism.

They can be an important and useful addition to many workplaces and in some cases can improve the safety of operations.

While they are a useful piece of equipment, there have been more than 12 deaths* each year in Australia associated with quad bikes, many of those being children.

In Queensland, since July 2000 about 30 quad bike operators or passengers have been killed.

Workplace health and safety authorities across Australia have commenced an awareness program to improve quad bike safety, with an emphasis on the safe operation of quad bikes in all situations through appropriate information and training and through selection of the best tool for the task to be completed.

Age and status of national quad bike fatalities (Jul 2002–Jun 2009)

Age (years)	Operator	Passenger	Bystander	Unknown	Total
0-5	3	5			8
6-15	10	8		1	19
16-25	14	1	1	1	17
26-45	21			1	22
46-65	31			1	32
66 plus	21	1	1	2	25
Unknown	1				1
TOTAL	101	15	2	6	124

*The Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety.

The risks

Quad bikes are designed for particular purposes and within particular operating conditions. Using them outside these parameters can significantly increase the risk of severe injury or death.

Although light-weight vehicles, quad bikes have caused a number of fatalities from crush injuries involved from rollover incidents or when the rider has been thrown from a quad bike after contact with a rock, tree or other obstacle.

Quad bikes can be unstable due to a high centre of gravity, increasing the risk of a rollover on rough terrain, especially when turning or driving across slopes.

Overloading, inappropriate fitment of attachments or towing can significantly change the handling, stability and braking conditions of a quad bike and may contribute to its instability and potential for roll over.

Risk assessment

Operators and employers should identify the potential hazards and assess the risks of operating a quad bike. Risk assessments should be undertaken prior to operating a quad bike to ensure any risk caused by the operator or environmental conditions are reduced as much as possible.

Operators should refer to the Rural Plant Code of Practice 2004 and WorkSafe Victoria’s, A handbook for workplaces – Quad bikes on farms which provides handy tips on undertaking risk assessments.

Quick checks:

Quad bike

The quad bike’s fitness for purpose should be assessed prior to its use. Consider whether:

• there is another item of farm machinery that could provide a safer operation, i.e. small tractor or utility
• fitting equipment that will minimise the risk of injury from possible rollover
• the quad bike is maintained to manufacturer’s specifications, including equipment such as brakes are working and tyres are inflated to the correct pressure
• all guards are in place, particularly foot plates
• all controls are adjusted so they can be operated comfortably and safely when seated.

Operator

Operators need significant experience in various terrain or 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 complementary to the task being undertaken, such as, helmets, gloves and eye protection
• ensure equipment or liquids being carried or towed are secured and do not suddenly change the weight, balance, steering or braking dynamics by distributing additional weight to the side, front or back
• have sufficient strength, weight and agility to operate safely and can react quickly to changing terrain or conditions. Operators should be physically capable to control the machine and to correctly move their body weight to keep the wheels on the ground at all times
• be aware of heat stress, fatigue or other limiting conditions which may affect concentration while operating a quad bike.

Environment

Operators should be aware of:

• being struck by an object (e.g. overhanging branch)
• the possibility of rollover from striking an object hidden by long grass such as logs and rocks, location of drains and other hazards
• washouts after rain or crossing steep terrain
• a rider’s leg being caught in rear tyre, chain or foot rest
• attachments or loads being too heavy, unequally distributed or not secure
• the risks posed by poor maintenance of brakes, suspension and tyres.

What are my responsibilities?

An employer must ensure the health, safety and welfare at work of all their employees. This includes ensuring plant, such as quad bikes, are safe when properly used, and that proper instruction and training has been provided and understood to ensure employees remain healthy and safe at their workplace.

An employee at work must take reasonable care for the health and safety of people who are at the place of work and who may be affected by the employee’s actions or omissions.