01 Feb 2018

New Safety Advocates join the campaign for quad bike safety

In 2018, Workplace Health and Safety Queensland welcomes two new Safety Advocates, Jodie and Mario Cocco, who are passionate about quad bike safety, especially where children are involved.

Their son Domenic was just seven years old when he suffered life-threatening injuries after crashing a quad bike into a power pole. We published a film about the incident in 2016, with Jodie and Mario describing the horrifying experience and the impact it had on their family. The next logical step for the Coccos was to start telling their story personally in workplaces as Safety Advocates.

“You think it’s not going to happen to you, but it can. Make sure your kids have got the right protective equipment on, make sure they’re wearing a helmet, and make sure they know how to operate the quad bike properly,” Jodie says.

In their role as Safety Advocates, Jodie and Mario will focus on quad bike safety with a special emphasis on children using these machines. They highlight how important it is to always wear a helmet when riding, as well as the benefits of formal training.

The film, Too fast, too soon – Domenic’s story, has been viewed over 4000 times and is a stark reminder of how quickly things can go wrong and the serious consequences that follow.

Since it began in 2013, our Safety Advocate program has gone from strength to strength. Last year our Safety Advocates between them spoke to Queensland workers and communities at more than 100 events. Feedback on their visits is incredibly positive – a clear indication that sharing their stories is having a profound impact on Queenslanders and prompting them to think about the importance of working safely.

Further information

For more information on the Coccos’story, go to worksafe.qld.gov.au/safety-advocates or request a Safety Advocate visit to your business.

Last updated 25 January 2018 on www.worksafe.qld.gov.au

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