The safety shift from farm bikes
Ben Dineen riding a quad equipped with a Crush Protection Device (CPD) for added safety. Photo: Supplied.
It has been fifteen months since Pāmu, also known as Landcorp, replaced all company quad bikes across the country. Pāmu announced in December 2023 that they were shifting to safer alternatives, opting for two-wheelers on dairy farms and side-by-side off-roaders on livestock farms. Additionally, station horses are making a comeback on some hill country farms.
This change was prompted by Pāmu’s commitment to health and safety, following the tragic loss of three employees in six months in on-farm vehicle accidents in 2017. The company noted; While not without costs, removing quads from a peak of 440 nationwide is a major milestone in our health and safety journey. This strategic shift was driven by the need for better stability on hill country and the incorporation of roll-over protection measures to reduce potential harm.
New Zealand annually witnesses numerous fatalities involving quad bikes, highlighting the profound impact on families, businesses, and communities. Over the past decade, quad-bike accidents have claimed 45 lives and caused 17,000 injuries, with a notable concentration within the farming community. WorkSafe has reported 11 fatal accidents involving quad bikes on farms between January 2022 and July 2023.
Back in May WorkSafe issued a policy clarification regarding crush protection devices (CPDs) on quad bikes. The policy clarifies WorkSafe’s expectations about installing CPDs on quad bikes used for work. WorkSafe is saying that if a worker is injured on your farm and you do not have a CPD, it is very likely you will have been deemed to not have provided adequate protection for your workers.
This serves as a crucial reminder to investigate safer options and alternatives. When carrying a load, always use a low gear, reduce speed, and allow for a longer braking distance. It’s essential to wear a helmet at all times and remain focused while riding. If replacing quad bikes isn’t an option, consider installing a quad bar, which can prevent crush injuries and provide extra protection for the rider.
Implementing simple safety measures can save lives.