An industry group tasked with improving quad bike safety in Australia will meet in Dubbo today.

The Quad Bike Safety Industry Action Group is part of the NSW Government’s $2 million Quad Bike Safety Improvement Program which is aimed at encouraging and supporting farmers to implement new safety measures that reduce quad bike injuries on farms.

The Industry Action Group is comprised of a range of stakeholders including representatives from the motor vehicle manufacturing industry, rural sector, government and emergency services.

The group will meet in Dubbo to discuss the status of the Quad Bike Safety Improvement Program, including take-up of SafeWork NSW’s $500 quad bike safety rebate, participation in quad bike training and a quad bike dealer education project.

Executive Director of SafeWork NSW, Peter Dunphy said the Industry Action Group plays a vital role in reducing the unacceptable level of quad bike-related injuries and fatalities.

“Quad bikes are a leading cause of death on Australian properties, with 220 deaths since 2001 and thousands more people seriously injured,” Mr Dunphy said.

“Every fatality has an immeasurable effect on families, friends and communities.

“The Quad Bike Safety Industry Action Group has a critical role in developing, implementing and promoting quad bike safety activities that help us achieve our target of no quad bike-related injuries or deaths in NSW by 2022.”

Members of the Quad Bike Safety Industry Action Group include SafeWork NSW, Local Land Services, Country Women’s Association, Department of Primary Industries - Tocal College, NSW Farmers Association, Australian Workers Union, Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, Australian Quad Distributors Association, Motor Traders Association, Westpac Rescue Helicopter and the Royal Flying Doctors Service

The $2 million Quad Bike Safety Improvement Program encourages and support land managers to adopt a range of harm prevention strategies to protect workers, family members and themselves.

As part of the Program, SafeWork NSW is offering rebates of up to $500 to implement safety measures aimed at reducing quad bike tragedies and injuries on farms, including helmets, operator protective devices, side-by-side vehicles, and training. The rebate is available until 30 June 2017 or until all funds are expended.

For further information visit our Quad Bike Safety Improvement Program or call 13 10 50. To apply for SafeWork’s $500 rebate, visit www.nswfarmers.org.au

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