Quad bike safety
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland's (WHSQ) agriculture inspectors continue to encounter operators who are unaware that wearing an approved helmet when operating a quad bike is mandatory.
This requirement was introduced through changes to the Work Health and Safety Regulation and the associated Code of Practice in 2024.
Some quad bike incidents, including fatalities, have been reported in 2026 where helmets were not worn. Helmet use can significantly reduce the severity of injuries and improve outcomes for riders involved in rollovers and other incidents.
As more farms transition to side-by-side vehicles, WHSQ is also seeing an increase in serious incidents involving these vehicles.
Initial investigations have identified a failure to use safety features such as seat belts, rollover protection structures, and doors. Whether operating a quad bike or side-by-side vehicle, using the required safety equipment can make the difference between a near miss and a life-changing injury or fatality.