This week is National Safety Week for one of the most unassuming yet dangerous worksites in the county; the farm.

The 2013 National Farm Safety Week is on to highlight the myriad dangers presented by agricultural operations in an effort to reduce death and injury from safety risks on the farm.

One of the most dangerous devices for farmers is not the massive harvesting machines or tractors, but the ever-reliable quad bike. Four-wheelers have caused the deaths of dozens of people in recent years, ten so far this year.

Farmsafe Australia Chairman Charles Armstrong says “Even non-fatal injuries can have major cost implications on things such as delays in harvest, damage to equipment and downtime needed to recover from such injuries.” He says safety should be the main focus for farmers to “reduce risks to those that work and live on our farms, it will also improve our bottom line,” according to Mr Armstrong.

Australia currently has 30,000 registered quad bikes. Farm safety authorities say after so many deaths from simple roll-overs, the bikes should be fitted with roll bars or other crush protection measures.

Farmsafe Australia’s National Farm Safety Week 2013 Package can be downloaded here.