ACCIDENT figures since January - released by the Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety (ACAHS) - show one person was killed on a farm every week.
The centre’s analysis of media reports showed 24 people had died, as a result of accidents, between January and the end of June.
Another 50 had suffered non-fatal accidents serious enough to be reported.
“These figures are similar to the same time last year” centre director Dr Tony Lower said.
“But the figures are only a very minor part of the issue, as behind every one of these cases there is an individual, a family and a community that has to manage the unnecessary loss of a loved one or friend.
“Quads continue as the major agricultural safety issue and were ranked as the number one cause of deaths for the past four years.”
There had been eight on-farm quad deaths this year, with another three off-farm.
Quads also dominated the non-fatal injuries, making up nearly 40 per cent of all cases.
Quad manufacturers continued to point to rider error as the best way of avoiding implications regarding the safety of their product.
Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries chief executive Ton Weber said his group continued to call for attention to be paid to responsible all terrain vehicle (ATV) use.
But Dr Lower said 60 per cent of all deaths in Australia involved rollovers.
“The lack of a lateral stability standard and crush protection means not only do they roll all too easily, but when they do, the consequences are often fatal,” Dr Lower said.
“Because of these design flaws, the margin of error for riding quads is so small that it all too often ends in tragedy.
“We strongly encourage farmers to use other safer vehicles.
“If they continue to use a quad, ensure a crush protection device is fitted, wear a helmet and follow basic vehicle maintenance and riding safety practices.”
Mr Weber said awareness and acceptance ATVs needed to be used responsibly would help keep users safe.
“ATVs provide great benefits for farm owners and workers, allowing them to stand up for better visibility and dismount easily when performing repetitive tasks.
“It is imperative; however, that before using an ATV, all users consider if an ATV is the right vehicle for the task at hand.”
Before using ATVs, riders should undertake training, read the owner’s manual and watch the safety video, provided with the vehicle.
The FCAI continued to stress children under the age of 16 must only ride specifically designed and labelled, aged appropriate ATVs, under adult supervision.
In the United States - the world’s largest ATV market – usage continued to increase, but both the number and rate of reported deaths and injuries has continued to decrease.
Mr Weber said safety practices had been introduced in America, by the industry and through legislation.
The next highest cause of agricultural deaths, in the first six months, were tractors.
Dr Lower said tractors featured in eight fatal incidents.
“We know that there are highly effective ways to control risks and prevent needless deaths and injuries.”
A copy of the report, and a wide range of materials that can assist those that work and live on farms, is available from the Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety website or on (02) 6752 8210.