Focus on safety using side-by-side vehicles following recent fatalities

Queenslanders involved in the state’s primary industries are reminded to keep safety front of mind after a number of serious fatalities last year.

Two separate fatalities occurred using side-by-side vehicles in tragic circumstances last year.

One incident occurred when a worker was fatally injured after the side-by-side vehicle he was using on a rural property overturned and crushed him.

In a separate incident, workers were engaged in cattle mustering using a side-by-side vehicle as well as other mobile plant. A steer broke free of the herd and a worker attempted to round it up using the side-by-side vehicle. Whilst doing this the vehicle has tipped and come to rest on its left side trapping the worker and causing fatal injuries.

Operating side-by-side vehicles can pose several risks to drivers and passengers. When a side-by-side vehicle overturns, there is potential for significant injuries or a fatality if thrown from or crushed by the vehicle.

Safety issues

Side-by-side vehicles have become a highly utilised item of machinery in recent years, due to their adaptability, low running cost and easy operation. They are widely used across a range of industries and workplaces. Side-by-side vehicles can accommodate two to six people in a side-by-side bucket or bench seating arrangement, have seat belts and roll over protection structure (ROPS). A side-by-side vehicle (SSV) is different to a quad bike. It is typically a sit-in vehicle, has a steering wheel, seat belts, rollover protection and a higher load capacity. (Source: SafeWork NSW).

People can also be buffeted inside the cabin or hit by loose objects and receive serious or even fatal injuries.

More information

To read more about effective control measures for side-by-side vehicles, refer to a WorkSafe Queensland alert published late last year: Two separate fatalities involving side by side vehicles.