Too many die in work-related quad bike accidents

27 August 2008

Far too may people in Waikato and Bay of Plenty are dying in work-related quad bike accidents - particularly on the regions’ farms, the Department of Labour says.

All four quad bike deaths investigated by the department in the 12 months to June 30 occurred in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions. In the previous year, four of the six deaths investigated by the department occurred in the central North Island region.

The only ATV death the department has begun investigating since July also happened in the Waikato.

“Far too may people in these regions are dying in work-related quad bike accidents,” said the department’s Waikato/Eastern regional manager Ona de Rooy. “Many of these deaths involved vehicles on farms and orchards. All of them were tragedies for the victims, and their families, whänau and friends.”

The high rate of work-related quad bike deaths in the regions was probably linked to them having such large agriculture and horticulture industries, Ms de Rooy said. Quad bikes are widely used in these industries.

“This is an important issue for our communities. I would urge anyone who owns a farm-sized quad bike, or ATV as they’re often called, to brush up on the safety guidelines. They should never let anyone else use their vehicle unless they are sure that person is old enough, and experienced enough, to do so safety.”

The Department of Labour says following a few simple guidelines can help keep people safe. These are:

• Always wear a helmet and appropriate footwear
• Identify safe areas to ride and avoid steep terrain
• Remember ATVS are not designed to carry passengers or heavy loads
• Reduce speed to a safe level for the conditions
• Do a registered course to increase driving skills
• Under-12 year olds are not allowed to ride farm-sized quad bikes.
• 12 to 14 year olds shouldn’t ride them unless they are properly trained, supervised, and are strong enough to control the bike.

More information on quad bike/ATV safety is available on the department’s website at www.osh.dol.govt.nz/order/catalogue/atvsummaryposter.shtml or through the online Hazard Handler tool at www.dol.govt.nz/onlinetools/index.asp.

ENDS

For further information contact 0274 422141 or media@dol.govt.nz.

To the journalist: Please note that health and safety services, formerly referred to as Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) should now be referred to as the Department of Labour.