This safety alert covers the importance of having communication devices on hand when doing work alone.
What happened?
A worker in the agricultural sector has received significant injuries while on the job.
The person activated their Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) to signal their distress and location after their quad bike rolled while driving downhill. They were airlifted to hospital by rescue helicopter.
How did it happen?
The experienced sole operator was carrying out pest control activities on a farm they'd worked on for many years when the incident happened. A few different factors were in play, from steep terrain, the weather, tiredness and a heavy load on the bike.
![[image] Agriculture safety alert - quad bike tipped 2- March 2026](https://www.worksafe.govt.nz/assets/About-us/News-and-media/image-agriculture-safety-alert-pic-3.png)
What was learned?
The person was wearing their helmet, the bike was fitted with a crush protection device, and they had a way of calling for help with an EPIRB - three things that likely prevented more significant injury, or death. The incident is a reminder about the importance of quad bike training, using safety gear, checking the conditions, choosing the right vehicle for the job, and managing the risk.
Farm vehicle incidents are one of the top two causes of workplace deaths in Aotearoa. Farming is a way of life for many New Zealanders. Health and safety must be part of this way of life.
Read WorkSafe's guidelines on safe quad bike use
