A preliminary review of the impact of the Australian Consumer Goods (Quad Bikes) Safety Standard 2019 on fatal work-related incidents

Objective

This descriptive study assesses all work-related quad deaths in Australia for the 2001–2024 period. Preliminary findings and potential implications are discussed in relation to the introduction of the Consumer Goods (Quad Bikes) Safety Standard 2019.

Methods

Data were retrieved through the National Coronial Information System. Descriptive analysis was followed by a one-sample Wilcoxon test assessing rolling four-year totals, both nationally and by jurisdiction, for all work cases and rollover events.

Results

Of the 334 fatal cases in this period, there were 161 work-related cases (49%). Over 95% of work cases occurred on a farm, with 77% (n=120) over 50 years of age. Rollovers were responsible for 65% of all work cases (n=105). Nationally, there has been a nonsignificant reduction in all work cases (p=0.47) and work-related rollovers (p=0.63). No jurisdictions had significant changes in total work-related cases, while Victoria had a significant reduction in rollover events (p=0.045).

Conclusion

There was a small reduction nationally, with variability by jurisdiction. Significant reductions in Victoria (rollovers), may be suggestive of the impact of increased regulatory and enforcement approaches, made in conjunction with the Standards introduction and warrant further investigation.

Implications for Public Health

These early data require further verification to assess the full impact of the Standard but point to a small reduction overall and the importance of enforcement approaches in the intervention mix.