A recent incident involved the rollover of a side-by-side vehicle (SSV; also known as a multi-utility vehicle/MUV). The worker was using the SSV to move livestock. He suffered serious leg and arm injuries.
Contributing factors
- The operator was using the vehicle without proper instruction and training.
- The operator had not reviewed the owner’s manual and all warning and instruction labels.
- The cab nets or doors were not in place.
Action required
If you are a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) and you have SSVs/MUVs in your workplace, you must ensure that:
- all operators review and understand the owner’s manual and warning and instruction labels
- cab nets or doors are in place on the vehicle at all times
- the vehicle is operated according to the manufacturer’s instructions
- operators wear seatbelts at all times
- passengers are not carried unless the operator has more than 2 hours of driving experience unless being trained in the operation of the vehicle
- all operators are provided with adequate instruction and training that is relevant to the hazards and risk associated with using the vehicle. This should be:
- provided by a registered training organisation (RTO), and an example of this training would be ‘Operate side-by-side utility vehicles’ AHCMOM216 (see below), or
- a comprehensive on-the-job training program that includes assessing the operator’s competency.
Training
To find an RTO providing the training course ‘Operate side-by-side utility vehicles’ AHCMOM216, go to my.skills.gov.au.
Resources
Quad Bike and SSV Vehicle Safety
This guide contains extensive information including sample procedures, skills assessment checklists, vehicle selection advice, guidance for PPE, and a poster with do’s and don’ts for easy reference in the workplace.
First published in November 2015