Farmers are calling for new laws forcing quad bikes to be fitted with roll bars.

Quad bikes are involved in around 18 deaths each year.

The ACCC recommended mandatory roll protection on the bikes in March 2018, and now the National Farmers' Federation, Cattle Council and Rural Doctors Association want to know why the federal government has not implemented the regulator’s requests.

Manufacturers including Honda and Yamaha have threatened to withdraw from the Australian market if roll bars are made mandatory on quad bikes.

“It's incredibly disappointing that manufacturers are using such strong tactics to bully decision-makers into not accepting recommendations that will make a difference on farms,” NFF president Fiona Simson said.

“Manufacturers should be told by government that this not the way we do it in Australia - we don't get bullied around.”

This National Farm Safety Week, Safe Work Australia is raising awareness of quad bike safety.

The authority has posted resources on the Safe Work Australia website to help manage the risks associated with quad bike use including, guidance materials, information sheets, statistics and training information.

 

“It is important for farmers and other workers to be aware of the risks associated with quad bike use in rural workplaces as well as their Work Health and Safety (WHS) obligations.” Safe Work Australia CEO, Michelle Baxter said.

Farmers are calling for new laws forcing quad bikes to be fitted with roll bars.

Quad bikes are involved in around 18 deaths each year.

The ACCC recommended mandatory roll protection on the bikes in March 2018, and now the National Farmers' Federation, Cattle Council and Rural Doctors Association want to know why the federal government has not implemented the regulator’s requests.

Manufacturers including Honda and Yamaha have threatened to withdraw from the Australian market if roll bars are made mandatory on quad bikes.

“It's incredibly disappointing that manufacturers are using such strong tactics to bully decision-makers into not accepting recommendations that will make a difference on farms,” NFF president Fiona Simson said.

“Manufacturers should be told by government that this not the way we do it in Australia - we don't get bullied around.”

This National Farm Safety Week, Safe Work Australia is raising awareness of quad bike safety.

The authority has posted resources on the Safe Work Australia website to help manage the risks associated with quad bike use including, guidance materials, information sheets, statistics and training information.

“It is important for farmers and other workers to be aware of the risks associated with quad bike use in rural workplaces as well as their Work Health and Safety (WHS) obligations.” Safe Work Australia CEO, Michelle Baxter said.