Polaris gets on the front foot

Polaris has launched a new television advertising campaign in response to the recent WorkSafe announcement that the fitment of crush protection devices to ATVs would "effectively become mandatory" in Victorian workplaces.

The TV campaign highlights the unique single-seat ACE ATV which has a Certified Rollover Protection Structure — one of the 23 existing vehicle alternatives that Polaris already offers with engineered rollover protection.

Here's the television ad:

The Weekly Times recently reported that "rollover protection for quad bikes is to effectively become mandatory in Victoria," citing that "WorkSafe Victoria is tightening rules around quad bikes that will see them banned in workplaces unless appropriate rollover protection is fitted."

According to newspaper, farmers will be required to "fit crush-protection devices to quad bikes, or all-terrain vehicles, or potentially cop fines of tens of thousands of dollars if there is a rollover causing injury or death of an employee using such a vehicle."

In response to this announcement, the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) recently released an industry statement refuting and discrediting the move by WorkSafe, outlining that the WorkSafe position regarding Operator Protective Devices:

•    Is not supported by any scientific research concerning the safety or efficacy of such devices
•    Flies in the face of the most reliable research into such devices, which indicates that they can cause as many new injuries as they might prevent
•    Is not in accord with the outcomes of recent coronial inquiries into deaths that were associated with ATV rollovers.

Polaris' views are in line with the FCAI position, but the US marque is in a unique position as it already boasts a substantial range of models with engineered rollover protection and substantial safety technology.

"The purpose of our TV advertising campaign is simply to show consumers that they already have a choice, as Polaris already offers engineered and certified alternatives for rollover protection — without having to engage themselves in this contentious issue or make themselves vulnerable to prosecution," said Polaris Australia & New Zealand Managing Director, Peter Alexander. "A model such as the Polaris ACE offers many of the benefits of an ATV with inherent safety technology included."