SafeWork NSW has launched a free quad bike safety program across the State to help kids in regional NSW put safety first.
Welcoming the program, Minister for Fair Trading, Eleni Petinos said SafeWork had partnered with Tocal College to deliver free training events for quad bikes and side-by-side vehicles in schools to kids aged 16 years and older.
Ms Petinos said the program would provide practical skills for young people operating high-risk vehicles on farms and at work.
“These types of vehicles can be dangerous,” she said.
“These types of vehicles can be dangerous and that is why this Youth Week we are encouraging young people to take part in this free training.
“Students and their teachers will be taught how to safely use and maintain quad bikes and side-by-side vehicles.”
Ms Petinos said since 2011, 168 people had tragically lost their lives in quad bike accidents across the country, 43 of those in NSW.
The Minister said 15 per cent of fatalities were children under the age of 16.
“I encourage all eligible students and teachers to take part in this free one-day course,” she said.
“While quad bikes are great farming vehicles, they are also the biggest killer on Australian farms and must be operated with care.”
Ms Petinos said eligible students who completed the training would receive a certificate of accreditation and a free helmet.
Further information SafeWork’s quad bike safety training program can be accessed at this PS News link.
