Following a round table discussion in July 2012 with senior representatives from farming organisations, rural industry, unions and community groups, the Federal Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Mr Bill Shorten, has called for public comment on a discussion paper regarding design and engineering controls to improve quad bike safety.
25 of the 33 fatalities involving quad bikes that occurred between 1 January 2011 and 1 August 2012 took place on a farm, making quad bikes the leading cause of death on Australian farms during this period. More than 50% of all quad bike deaths are the result of roll overs, 90% of which also occur on farms.
Issues for comment
- The discussion paper seeks public comment on the following key issues regarding quad bike safety:
- design solutions and engineering controls to improve quad bike stability;
- engineering controls to improve operator protection in the event of a roll over;
- engineering options to minimise the capacity of children to start and/or operate quad bikes; and
- engineering controls to minimise the capacity of a quad bike to carry passengers.
How do you make submissions?
A coversheet, response form and information on how to lodge your submissions can be accessed here.
All submissions must be lodged with the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations by 5pm on Friday, 28 September 2012.
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