Safer Farms issues ‘alert’ after side-by-side accident

The two people on this side-by-side that rolled on a rural property were shaken but otherwise okay. It prompted a Safety Alert from rural industry organisation Safer Farms.

A side-by-side that rolled into a gully has become subject of the latest Safety Alert issued by Safer Farms.

Safer Farms is the industry-led organisation dedicated to fostering a safer farming culture across New Zealand.

A contractor and a passenger were in a side‐by‐side on a ridge that appeared flat, though it had several gullies, Safer Farms said in the alert.

While the vehicle was moving in reverse to turn around and avoid people and trees nearby, the right rear tyre dropped into a gully hidden by long grass. The vehicle rolled one and a half times and came to rest on its side.

The pair on board exited through the windscreen safely, shaken, but fortunately with no injuries.

“Both the driver and the passenger were using the right gear – helmets, seatbelts, door nets – and that’s what kept them safe in the roll.

“Even with a reversing camera and mirrors, the long grass and slope meant the driver couldn’t see where the edge dropped away.”

Experienced drivers could still get caught out, the alert said.

“The farm’s contractor processes were solid and they’d already made sure the contractor knew how to handle a side‐by‐side."

What do you need to do?

• Helmets and seatbelts made all the difference this time. Anyone in the side‐by‐side needs to gear up properly before heading out.
• Can’t see well? Get out and have a proper look. Check for dodgy spots like gullies and holes or get someone nearby to guide you.
• Door nets keep your arms safe if the side‐by‐side rolls. They take seconds to secure, so lock them in before you move and save yourself a broken arm.
• If you do roll, shut the engine off, check everyone is okay, give first aid if needed, and call for help.
• Reporting scrapes and near misses could mean no one else has to go through the same thing, so make sure you let your team know.

Taking out the quad or side-by-side? Ask yourself these questions:

• How are the conditions?
• Planned out your route?
• Is the vehicle good to go?
• Are you good to go?

Safety alerts document real-life incidents, distilling key lessons from farmers into concise, one-page handouts for managers to use in safety discussions with their teams. To view the Safety alerts, visit www.farmwithoutharm.org.nz/safety-alerts