Federated Farmers: Farming sector failing to tackle quad bike safety
Federated Farmers says the farming sector has been unable to effectively address quad bike safety.
WorkSafe New Zealand is reminding businesses that regularly servicing and maintenance quad bikes can save lives.
The reminder comes after the sentencing of two businesses in Timaru District Court on August 5.
Dairy Holdings Limited and Coryston Limited were sentenced under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 following the death of their employee in September 2019.
The employee, Stacey Rodgers, died as a result of crushing injuries which occurred during a quad bike rollover.
A WorkSafe investigation found that the condition of the quad bike was consistent with an ATV that had been in regular use but had not been serviced for a prolonged period. The quad bike’s brakes, steering, suspension and front bull bar/bumper were all in need of servicing/repair.
The investigation concluded the quad bike was not fit for use in a farming environment as it was in need of mechanical repair.
“There are far too many preventable quad bike accidents happening across New Zealand. This is another tragic reminder that farm vehicles such as quad bikes must be regularly serviced and adequately maintained,” says area investigation manager Steve Kelly.
On average, five people die in work-related quad bike accidents each year and many more are injured. Most quad bike injuries and fatalities are caused by the quad bike rolling over.
WorkSafe strongly recommends businesses consider installing crush protection devices (CPDs) on the back of quad bikes.
“A CPD is a simple and valuable way of keeping users safe,” says Kelly.
“While the companies had purchased a CPD for the quad bike involved, this was not installed at the time of the accident. However, the poor maintenance and servicing of the machine would still have exposed users to significant risk.”
“Dairy Holdings needed to have developed, implemented, monitored and reviewed an effective safe system of work for employees operating the quad bike at Coryston Farm. Coryston should have ensured the quad bike was properly serviced and maintained,” says Kelly.
A fine of $247,500 was imposed, with 50% apportioned to Dairy Holdings Limited.
Reparations of $110,000 was ordered to be paid to the victim’s family and apportioned equally between Dairy Holdings Limited an Coryston Limited.
An independent report, prepared for Alliance farmer shareholders is backing the proposed $250 million joint venture investment by Irish company Dawn Meats Group.
Whangarei field service technician, Bryce Dickson has cemented his place in John Deere’s history, becoming the first ever person to win an award for the third time at the annual Australian and New Zealand Technician of the Year Awards, announced at a gala dinner in Brisbane last night.
NZPork has appointed Auckland-based Paul Bucknell as its new chair.
The Government claims to have delivered on its election promise to protect productive farmland from emissions trading scheme (ETS) but red meat farmers aren’t happy.
Foot and Mouth Disease outbreaks could have a detrimental impact on any country's rural sector, as seen in the United Kingdom's 2000 outbreak that saw the compulsory slaughter of over six million animals.
The Ministry for the Environment is joining as a national award sponsor in the Ballance Farm Environment Awards (BFEA from next year).