Farm Vehicle Safety in Focus After Tragic ATV Accidents in New Zealand

Recent tragic incidents involving farm vehicles have raised serious concerns about safety on New Zealand farms. A series of fatal accidents in recent months has highlighted the urgent need for improved safety measures when operating farm machinery. The incidents have sparked a nationwide call for action from WorkSafe New Zealand, which is now pushing for stricter regulations and better safety practices across the agricultural sector.

Last month, a horrifying incident occurred in Central Otago, where a person lost their life and three others were seriously injured after an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) rolled over on a farm. Earlier this year, two more lives were claimed in ATV accidents, and a company was recently sentenced for an incident in which a farm worker was crushed by a hydraulic tailgate on a trailer in a farm shed in Canterbury. These tragic events are not isolated; in July of last year, four farmers were killed in separate quad bike accidents within just three weeks, all of which occurred at the start of lambing and calving season.

WorkSafe New Zealand reports that five people have already died in agriculture-related accidents this year alone, with all of these incidents involving farm vehicles, particularly ATVs and quad bikes. The emotional toll on families and communities is immeasurable, and in many cases, it is the family members who make the heartbreaking decision to call for help when a loved one does not return home.

Following an investigation into a fatal incident in November 2022, a farm manager was sentenced for health and safety failures after a quad bike flipped, killing a worker. The vehicle was second-hand and lacked essential safety features such as crush protection. Additionally, it was found to have worn brakes, uneven tyre pressure, and poor suspension. These findings underscore the importance of regular maintenance and inspections, as highlighted by WorkSafe New Zealand.

Nigel Formosa, central regional manager at WorkSafe, emphasized that there is no excuse for neglecting farm vehicle maintenance. He stated that regular checks by a qualified mechanic in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations are essential. Formosa also pointed out that sloped surfaces and steep terrain can be particularly hazardous, especially during periods of variable weather and ground conditions.

WorkSafe has issued several safety alerts and recommendations to reduce the risk of accidents. These include installing crush or rollover protection devices on quad bikes, ensuring that drivers are competent and trained, and prioritizing regular maintenance. It also encourages farm workers to conduct risk assessments of terrain and tasks before operating any farm vehicle.

Farming is a way of life for many New Zealanders, and it is crucial that health and safety are integral to this lifestyle. According to WorkSafe data, agriculture accounts for around 25% of serious acute harm in New Zealand, despite employing only 6% of the workforce. Farm vehicle incidents are one of the top two causes of workplace deaths in Aotearoa, which is why the agricultural sector is a priority under WorkSafe’s new strategy.

WorkSafe is collaborating with the agricultural sector to address the biggest risks and improve health and safety standards. However, Formosa stressed that the people on the ground—those who work daily on farms—have the most power to influence change. He urged farm workers to be vigilant and take all necessary precautions to ensure their safety.

With the number of serious harm, injury, or illness notifications related to quad bikes reaching 668 between 2010 and 2022, and 99 fatalities recorded between 2007 and 2019, the need for immediate and sustained action has never been more pressing. WorkSafe continues to provide resources and guidance for farmers on its website, covering everything from choosing the right farm vehicle to the safe use of quad bikes, tractors, motorbikes, and side-by-sides.

As these tragic incidents continue to unfold, it is clear that the time for change is now. Farmers and farm workers must take the lead in implementing safer practices and ensuring that every person on a farm returns home safely at the end of the day.