mmg.com.au

The Victorian Farmers Federation is urging farmers to take care of their families and themselves during the coming holiday season by taking safety precautions with quad bikes.

A VSS spokesperson said adult-sized quad bikes were covered in manufacturer warnings stating children under the age of 16 should never operate the vehicle.

Victorian Farmers Federation Farmsafe Alliance manager Tim McKenzie said quad bikes were a major cause of deaths and injuries to Australian farmers and their children.

‘‘The trauma associated with a lot of these life-changing injuries is overwhelming,’’ he said.

‘‘Riders must wear helmets and other protective clothing, and farmers must make sure all quad bike riders are properly trained to use the vehicle and that the quad bikes are in safe operating condition.’’

Australian Centre for Agricultural health and safety director Tony Lower’s analysis of coronial data and hospital admissions from Victoria shows for every death on a quad bike, there were another 80 who attend hospital, of which 40 are admitted.

The most serious injuries include spinal and head injuries, which have a devastating impact on the lives of the victims and their families.

‘‘It’s vital farmers take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their families,’’ Mr McKenzie said.