The Office of Industrial Relations has launched a campaign pointing the finger at quad bikes and declaring them the biggest killers on Queensland farms.
The new campaign stresses that more than 50 Queenslanders have died using quad bikes over the past 10 years, and many of these were children.
Some were not wearing helmets, some were children using adult-sized bikes, and others didn’t have the right training.
Minister for Industrial Relations, Grace Grace said the tragedies occurred because basic safety rules were overlooked.
“The simple steps outlined in the campaign could avoid this holiday being one to remember for all the wrong reasons,” Ms Grace said.
The campaign emphasises five simple steps quad bike users can follow to make sure they come home safe: Always wear a helmet; Kids on kids’ bikes; Don’t double; Don’t overload; and Quad bike training.
“We know these simple steps go a long way to keeping people safe on quad bikes, but we also know that this campaign alone won’t tackle this issue,” Ms Grace said.
“It’s just one part of our strategy to reduce the tragic deaths and injuries associated with these machines,” she said.
“We are also ensuring compliance with our laws, using enforcement options when those laws are ignored, educating employers, workers and families about how to use quad bikes safely, and raising awareness of the serious consequences if they don’t.”
She said community feedback on proposed new safety measures for quad bike usage under the Work Health and Safety Regulation had been sought earlier in the year.
“We’re currently considering this feedback and looking at possible regulatory changes in 2023. We will continue to keep industry and the community informed on this process,” the Minister said.
WorkSafe information about the danger of quad bikes can be accessed at this PS News link.
