Worker trapped under quad bike (30 September 2024)

An 82-year-old worker was undertaking farm work activities on a quad bike at a rural property near Moree in Northern NSW. The worker was found trapped under the quad bike that was rolled on its side. The worker sustained fatal injuries.

A red quad bike lies on it side on the ground near a river. The background features an outback landscape with scattered trees.
A red quad bike is shown from a different angle, lying on its side near a river, with its tires prominently visible. The background features an outback landscape with scattered trees.

Photo shows the rolled quad bike at the location of the incident.

Safety Information

Consider ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risks associated with quad bikes.

As a farm owner or farm operator you are responsible for anyone operating a quad bike at your workplace. You must identify the risks associated with quad bike use and do what you are reasonably able to do to eliminate those risks.

Ensure:

  • you choose the right vehicle for the job
  • an operator protective device (OPD) (also referred to as a crush protection  device or roll bar) is installed when purchasing the vehicle and the device is maintained and never removed from the vehicle
  • you protect your head and always wear a helmet
  • tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return
  • choose the safest route, look out for obstacles and consider the slope of the terrain
  • if you cannot see what the ground conditions are like, get off and walk around the area before you drive over it
  • regularly check the tyre pressures
  • balance your load, keep it low and make sure it is securely strapped down
  • follow load limits stated in the owner’s manual
  • the rider is trained and capable to safely operate and maintain the quad bike
  • no children under 16 rides on adult sized quad bikes – even as a passenger
  • the quad bike is serviced and maintained as per the manufacturers owner’s manual.

Statistics

Quad bikes continue to be the biggest killer on Australian farms, with rollover the most common cause of death. Over 80% of quad bike fatalities in NSW are due to quad bike roll over.

Farm owners and operators must be aware that quad bikes are high risk vehicles and are not safe for use on all terrains or for all tasks.

Rollover can occur suddenly, even at low speeds and on flat terrain, putting the operator at risk of injury or death from being thrown from the vehicle, trapped, or crushed beneath it.

Related guidance material

Further information

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