Australasia’s work health and safety regulators recently launched a pilot quad bike training package as part of an industry strategy to reduce fatalities and injuries from on-farm use of quad bikes.
The pilot training package was launched by the Heads of Workplace Safety Authorities (HWSA), at TAFE NSW-Western Institute, Dubbo College, Rural Skills Centre where teachers from six TAFE institutes participated in a three-day pilot.
“According to the Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety, more than 97 per cent of two and four wheeled motorcycle riders on farms have never participated in a formal motorcycle training course,” said HWSA chair and general manager of WorkCover’s work health and safety division, John Watson.
“With more than 140 quad bike deaths on Australian farms since 2000 it’s clear that there is a need for pressing need for improved training in on-farm use of quad bikes.”
Feedback from the pilot will provide insight into the final package which is rolled-out across Australia, according to Watson.
The quad bike training package provides training in quad bike checks and basic maintenance, safe bike handling, transportation, loads and towing and quad bike safety on the farm.
On successful completion of the course quad bike operators will be awarded the national Unit of Competency AHCMOM212A Operate quad bikes. Assessment will be based around practical skills in quad bike handling and riding and demonstrating knowledge of how to use quad bikes safely on a farm.
“There have been a number of incidents that possibly could have been avoided if the rider was better skilled in how to handle the quad bike equipment,” said NSW Farmers executive councillor, Reg Kidd.
“This training package will give farmers the opportunity to undertake training which provides them with the skills required to handle quad bikes in various situations and incorporate it into their safe work practices,” he said.