Quad bike safety
Last year saw a major shift in the supply of ATVs or quad bikes in the Australian market, with the Consumer Goods (Quad Bikes) Safety Standard 2019 coming into effect on 11 October 2021.
Quad safety is back in the news in Australia, where the Government has ruled that rollover protection will be mandatory within 24 months.
So it’s timely to revisit the subject here and, notably, mention a good safety helmet your reporter is pleased to have worn during machine test outings.
WorkSafe’s website shows a downwards trend in fatalities and serious injuries, no doubt because of greater awareness and increasing use of safety helmets.
Australia’s coroners have looked at several fatalities and have not recommended the use of crush protection devices. They urge more factual evidence of their efficacy. Importantly they say that had riders been wearing an approved safety helmet the fatalities investigated would have been 42% fewer.
Riders are known to oppose wearing helmets because they are hot, heavy, difficult to buckle with gloved hands and impede hearing livestock or colleagues when herding.
The Shark ATV ROV helmet, released in 2017, appears to have addressed these issues, as it was designed for agricultural use. The lightweight composite shell meets all ECE 22-05 and DOT certifications for off- and on-road use and it weighs only 1200g.
The construction comprises four foam densities for maximum shock absorption, and it has two large, adjustable vents in the upper surface for cooling. On the sides are hearing pods with apertures allowing the wearer to hear ambient noise, and a recess at the rear allows the fitment of digital communications gear.
A quick release sliding buckle set-up does away with the older double D ring design, and a removeable lining allows easy cleaning. There are kits for dust, insect and noise control.
This reporter has worn a Shark during tests of two wheelers, quads and side by sides, and confirms that the helmet lives up to the maker’s claims.
In a wide range of weather conditions and temperatures it was cool and comfortable, and its lightness prevented neck pain even during long sessions. The quick release buckle is a big plus point.
The Commerce Commission says connectivity options for rural New Zealanders are front-of-mind as it begins a formal investigation into the future of the copper network.
Grand Finalists have been selected, all regional finals have concluded, and the journey towards the FMG Young Farmer of the Year Grand Final is underway.
Hopes of NZ sheepmeat prices picking up anytime soon in the country's key export market of China looks highly unlikely.
Regional councils are welcoming the certainty for councils in today’s Resource Management Act (RMA) announcement by the Government.
ASB says the decision to sign on to the AgriZeroNZ joint venture came out of a wish to be a part of the solution.
Federated Farmers says changes announced to the Resource Management Act today mark the end of the war on farming.
OPINION: Talking about plant-based food: “Chicken-free chicken” start-up Sunfed has had its valuation slashed to zero by major investor Blackbird…
OPINION: Synlait's financial woes won’t be going away anytime soon.