On New Zealand farms, rollovers keep killing people
Quad bikes are one of the biggest causes of farm deaths in New Zealand — WorkSafe reports that, on average, around five people are killed and more than 100 are seriously injured each year in work-related quad bike incidents, with over 80,000 quad bikes in use. Rollover is the leading cause, and a quad bike has no built-in safe space if it rolls. The key actions: choose the right vehicle for the job, fit a crush protection device, always wear a helmet, and wear the seatbelt in a side-by-side.
Most quad bike deaths and injuries come from the bike rolling over. Rollovers happen to experienced and inexperienced riders alike, almost anywhere on a property — and the risk rises when spraying, mustering, multitasking, or crossing hilly, uneven or rutted ground. Unlike a ute, side-by-side or tractor, a quad bike has no structure to create a safe space if it rolls, so the rider can be pinned and crushed or suffocated under its weight.
| Control | What it looks like |
|---|---|
| Right vehicle | Choose the safest vehicle for the job and terrain — often a side-by-side or ute is safer. Quad bikes are not designed to carry passengers. |
| Crush protection | Where there is no reasonable alternative to a quad bike, WorkSafe strongly recommends fitting a professionally made crush protection device. ACC can subsidise the cost. |
| Helmet | Always wear a helmet that fits and is fastened. An ATV helmet to NZS 8600 suits off-road work under 30 km/h; a motorcycle helmet to NZS 5430 is required on the road. |
| Seatbelt | In a side-by-side, always wear the seatbelt — the roll-over protection only works if you are belted in. |
Make sure riders are trained and experienced for the task and terrain, and don't let children ride adult quad bikes — they lack the size, weight and risk awareness to control them. Assess the ground before riding, even on familiar tracks, and don't work alone without a way to be found — see lone worker safety. Quad bikes and side-by-sides sit within your wider farm health and safety and mobile plant management.
Keep your quad and side-by-side checks and rider records in one place. Book a demo and we'll show you how it works — free 30-day trial included.
Very. WorkSafe reports that on average around five people are killed and more than 100 seriously injured each year in work-related quad bike incidents in New Zealand, with over 80,000 quad bikes in use. Rollover is the leading cause.
WorkSafe recommends using a safer alternative vehicle or different work practices where possible. Where there is no reasonable alternative to a quad bike, it strongly recommends fitting a professionally made crush protection device, and ACC can subsidise the cost.
Always wear a well-fitting, fastened helmet. An ATV helmet meeting NZS 8600 is suitable for off-road work under 30 km/h, and a motorcycle helmet meeting NZS 5430 is required when riding on the road, which includes anywhere between the fences.
Quad bikes are not designed to carry passengers. To move people around the farm, use a suitable vehicle such as a ute or side-by-side. In a side-by-side, everyone must wear the seatbelt.
No. Children lack the size, weight and risk awareness to control an adult-sized quad bike safely, which puts them at serious risk.
