Update to quad bike regulations in Queensland

The Queensland Government has changed regulations relating to the use of quad bikes in workplace settings within the state.

It follows a period of community consultation back in 2022 and a spate of serious incidents that have resulted in injuries and fatalities. The Office of Industrial Relations (OIR) will change the Work Health and Safety (Quad Bikes) Amendment 2024 to mandate the following when using quad bikes in the workplace.

Helmets

The new regulation amendment requires riders and passengers of quad bikes to wear a helmet that is securely fitted and fastened. Helmets should be compliant with standards including AS/NZS 1698, AS1698, ECE 22.05/06 or NZS8600-02 when the speed of the vehicle does not exceed 30 kilometres per hour.

Age restriction

Amendments to the regulation will also prohibit those under the age of 16 from operating adult-sized quad bikes in the workplace. However, anyone under 16 is permitted to ride a quad bike that is more appropriate for their age and size, as recommended by the manufacturer.

Passenger restriction

Under the amendment, passengers are not permitted to ride on quad bikes unless they have been designed for passenger use. The passenger must be over 16 years of age or must meet the minimum age recommendation of the vehicle’s manufacturer. 

Ideagen Plant Assessor's stance

Ideagen Plant Assessor gladly receives the news of the amendments made to this regulation in Queensland. With safety being our number one priority, any legislative amendments that aim to mitigate the risks that machines such as quad bikes pose to operators and bystanders is welcomed.

However, this will not have any impact on the compliance of quad bikes assessed using Ideagen Plant Assessor. We have always strongly recommended the use of helmets as a means of mitigating a variety of risks when operating these machines. We also do not recommend the operation of quad bikes by children, nor the transportation of passengers on vehicles that are not designed for that purpose.

Want further advice on quad bike safety?

Our team of machinery compliance experts is on hand to help you understand how to keep yourself and others safe around quad bikes and how to comply with the new amendment to the regulation in Queensland. Simply get in touch with us by calling 1300 728 852 or emailing info@assessor.com.au.

Disclaimer: This information is intended to provide general information on the subject matter. This is not intended as legal or expert advice for your specific situation. You should seek professional advice before acting or relying on the content of this information.