“COMMON sense and some responsibility” could help curb the rising rate of on-farm injuries and deaths.
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The sentiment from NSW Farmers Tamworth branch chair Kevin Tongue comes after the Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety identified a slight rise in the annual number of on‐farm accidents in 2017 compared to the previous year.
The study revealed that tractors (13) and quads (11) were the leading causes of death, comprising more than 40 per cent of the total (68).
Nine of the fatal cases (13 per cent) involved children aged under 15 years, with the involvement of quads accounting for one‐third (3) of these incidents.
Mr Tongue, of “Glenwood” in Loomberah, said quad bikes were not as commonly-used as they once were out of safety fears.
“When quad bikes first came out, they were very widely used,” Mr Tongue said.
“Now, people are using side-by-sides more which are a safer vehicle.
“We got rid of one quad and got a few Gators just to be further on the safe side because we’ve got some hilly country.”
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Mr Tongue has prioritised on-farm safety by putting himself and his employees through a Safe Work NSW-run quad bike safety workshop at Loomberah Hall, as well as other safety courses on his mixed-farming operation.
While there has been statewide calls for the installation of safety features like roll bars, use of helmets and not allowing children younger than 16 to ride quad bikes, Mr Tongue says it comes down to common sense.
“You have to learn at some stage, but common sense has to prevail,” Mr Tongue said.
“It’s taking responsibility. You’ve just got to be careful.”
The report also provides detail on a further 179 non‐fatal incidents that have been highlighted in the media, with quads again featuring as the main cause and being involved in 39 (22 per cent) of the incidents.
“These non‐fatal cases are very important, as often people will suffer significant injuries that have lifelong consequences,” Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety Hon. Associate Professor Tony Lower said.
“Each farm injury death or injury is one too many, as all cases cause great suffering for family, friends and whole communities. Many more deaths and injuries can be prevented by using solutions which we know from the evidence work.
“These figures emphasize how important it is to have safety as a major priority in your farm business. Planning for safety in the same way that you plan for your crops or stock will go a long way to reducing these incidents and the impacts they have.”
