
Originally Posted by
Katman
Why not?
Work place machinery is expected to be of a safe standard.
Why shouldn't farmers be expected to keep their bikes in an equally safe standard?
They are - quad bikes are workplace machinery ... and as such farmers are expected to keep them up to a safe standard.
The problem is that most quad bikes are used off road, most often on private land, so a WOF system would not work - who is to go aroudand check that the bikes are up to standard? Go onto private land and check it out?
Most quad bike acidernts also happen on private land - and are not subject to the same ivesdtigation as road accidnets . however, as work placve accidnets they are subject to OSH inivestigatin - and it is OSH who check on the safety of workplacve machinery - including quad bikes ...
But unfortunately OSH only investigates after an accuent has happened ..
From the department of Labour web site
"Is it enough to just provide helmets for workers?
It is not enough for farmers to just provide helmets for workers and others who ride their bikes. Farmers need to take steps to ensure that these helmets are worn.
What if my workers won’t wear a helmet, or take them off when I’m not around?
Your response should be the same as it would be if the worker did other serious things like consistently failed to turn up for work, or turned up drunk. If you take the issue seriously, so will they.
Clearly communicate to the worker that wearing a helmet prevents injury, and that helmets must be worn or disciplinary action will be taken.
You can use employment agreements to spell out that workers must comply with all health and safety requirements, including wearing helmets. The agreement can state that not complying with health and safety requirements would be considered serious misconduct and could result in disciplinary action, including their employment being ended.
Workers can also be reminded that it’s not just employers who can be prosecuted for not wearing a helmet. Employees also have a duty to keep themselves and others out of harm’s way, and the Department of Labour has prosecuted employees for failing to do this.
It is important that you lead by example - don’t expect your employees to wear a helmet if you don’t."
"So if you meet me, have some sympathy, have some courtesy, have some taste ..."
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