WorkSafe WA has issued a reminder about quad bike safety following the recent death of a 76-year-old farmer in the state.

The farmer lost control of his quad bike while riding down a steep incline in wet and windy weather when it flipped and landed on him.

The regulator said a tank found attached to the bike, which may have contained fluids, may have contributed to unbalancing the bike.

“Incidents involving quad bikes happen far too often on WA farms, and in fact, all across the country,” WorkSafe WA Commissioner Darren Kavanagh said.

“WorkSafe and the Commission for Occupational Safety and Health are working hard to reduce the injury and death toll in all areas of the agriculture industry,” he said.

An Agriculture Working Group including agricultural representatives has been set up by the Commission to improve safety on WA farms. The WA Government also initiated an urgent Farm Safety Summit last month to discuss workplace safety issues with major businesses in the agriculture sector.

Mr Kavanagh also notes there are resources available on WorkSafe WA’s website for the agriculture industry in general, and quad bikes in particular.

“Quad bikes are the source of many injuries in both workplaces and non-workplaces, and it’s worth thinking about substituting them for another vehicle,” Mr Kavanagh said.

“I encourage all employers that have quad bikes in their workplaces to consider the suitability of vehicles that offer more stability – for instance the type of side-by-side used as a golf buggy.”