Quad bike safety rebates available in New South Wales have doubled, writes SafetyCulture’s Haydee Tandinco.
The Quad Bike Safety Improvement Program, which was introduced July 2016, gave rural land owners access to one-off rebate to buy helmets, undertake training, retrofit safety equipment to existing quad bikes, and/or buy a safer side-by-side vehicle.
The State Government has doubled the rate to $1000 for the purchase of a side-by-side vehicle, $500 for retrofitting of safety equipment to an existing quad bike, and $90 for the purchase of an approved helmet.
Owners can also apply for two rebates, which means they can be eligible for up to $2000 rather than the original $500 if they are buying side-by-sides.
Since 2011, there has been a total of 111 people who have died due to quad bike incidents nationally. About 29 of these incidents happened in NSW.
“Every fatality has an immeasurable effect on families, friends, and communities, and this government is wholeheartedly committed to reducing the number of deaths and injuries caused by quad bikes in the workplace,” State Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation Matt Kean says.
A new online quad bike safety presentation has also been launched to provide easy access to important information.
To qualify for the rebates, owners should complete the online course, do a quad bike safety course, or interact with a SafeWork NSW officer.
“We understand farming is a tough and demanding business, and it can be difficult for property owners to drop everything to attend a training day or meet with a SafeWork NSW inspector,” Kean says.
“While these options will still be offered, this online teaching tool will allow farmers to access quad bike safety advice at a time that is most convenient to them and, more importantly, give them easier access to the rebates that might save their lives.”
