SafeWork NSW and the NSW Police are joining forces to help keep farmers as safe as possible at work on the farm, Minister for Better Regulation Matt Kean said.
Mr Kean and NSW Police State Rural Crime Coordinator Detective Inspector Cameron Whiteside launched the regional quad bike safety campaign in Orange today alongside local farmer, Graham Brown.
Mr Brown, 71, has been a strong advocate for quad bike safety after an incident on his Springside farm in 2015, where he rolled his quad bike, narrowly escaping serious injuries.
Mr Kean said SafeWork and police will be sharing important safety messages at major agricultural events throughout 2018 in Casino, Dubbo, Gunnedah, Henty, Mudgee, Orange and Sydney.
“NSW Police are the first responders to quad bike incidents and work closely with SafeWork officers when tragedy strikes, and two voices are better than one when it comes to spreading the safety message,” Mr Kean said.
Police have a successful track record promoting the importance of wearing helmets on bicycles and motorbikes and they want to see that in the quad bike space too.
“Teaching children about the importance of farm safety will help them form positive attitudes and behaviours about safety that will last throughout adulthood,” Det Insp Whiteside said.
A child safety prize is up for grabs. Children who visit the SafeWork stand at the agricultural events this year will get a showbag so they can create their competition entry as well as fun activities to help them stay safe on the farm.
Bathurst MP Paul Toole said this is great news for local farmers to help keep them safe at work, and promote access to the government’s important safety rebates.
“No one wants to see another farmer killed or seriously injured while using a quad bike, so any steps we can take to support that effort is a certainly a positive thing,” Mr Toole said.
Today’s launch also builds on the NSW Government’s $2 million Quad Bike Safety Improvement Program, which provides free training and helmets for those who complete the course, as well as rebates for protective devices, and safer side-by-side vehicles.
For further information on the program visit www.safework.nsw.gov.au or call 13 10 50. To apply for rebates, visit www.nswfarmers.org.au.
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