Don't risk your life, buckle up in side-by-side vehicles

This is advertiser content from SafeWork NSW.

With rising use of side-by-side vehicles as farmers choose them over quad bikes, SafeWork NSW is concerned about injuries and even deaths because operators aren't wearing seatbelts.

In the past three years, SafeWork NSW has seen nine fatalities and 10 serious injuries caused by side-by-side vehicle incidents. Ninety per cent of these people were not wearing a seatbelt.

"Those involved in side-by-side vehicle incidents in NSW have ranged from experienced users to young workers and even children aged under 16," NSW Minister for Better Regulation Kevin Anderson said.

A side-by-side vehicle comes with a rollover protective structure, also known as a cage, which protects the driver and passengers from being crushed by the 400kg vehicle if it rolls.

However, James Jackson, president of the NSW Farmers Association, says this may be giving farmers a false sense of security.

"The safety message is simple: a side-by-side vehicle is no safer unless the seatbelt is worn. The cage alone will not protect you from fatal injuries if there is an incident," Mr Jackson said.

Jacquie and Ian Reardon, fifth generation farmers from Moree, recount near misses riding vehicles on their farm.

"We've replaced all the quad bikes with side-by-side vehicles because we were worried about the safety of our children and our workers.

"Safety is very important to us and it was the right decision for us to switch to a safer vehicle with seatbelts, doors and netting," Mr Reardon said.

"The stability and steering on a side-by-side vehicle is better than a quad bike. But like any vehicle you drive, there are risks - even on a side-by-side vehicle."

SafeWork NSW also wants to remind farm owners and farm managers that safety is everyone's responsibility and each individual should follow manufacturers' recommendations to wear a helmet and seatbelt, and regularly check that seatbelts are in good working condition.

"Putting a seatbelt on should become a habit whenever we get in these vehicles, it takes less than two seconds," Mr Jackson said.

Support is available to farmers and workers with free training and safety rebates.

Eligible farmers can sign-up to free training courses offered by Tocal College. The courses are designed to help improve operators' safety skills, hazard and risk identification, and vehicle maintenance skills. Both experienced and inexperienced farmers will get something out of the training.

"Grab six of your workers, neighbours or family members, and the training will come to you - it's free for eligible farmers," Minister Anderson said.

If you own or operate a farm in NSW, or work on one, you may be eligible for a safety rebate. SafeWork NSW offers two rebates totaling up to $2000 for the purchase of a side-by-side vehicle, as well as a rebate for safety devices - like roll bars, helmets and even drones.

The side-by-side vehicle rebate may be deducted from the purchase price when farmers buy selected side-by-side vehicles, reducing the out-of-pocket cost to farmers and simplifying the process.

For more information visit safework.nsw.gov.au

This is advertiser content from SafeWork NSW.