Polaris has unveiled a new TV 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 Polaris ACE – a vehicle with the size and agility of an ATV coupled with substantial safety technology including a Certified Rollover Protection Structure – as just one of the 23 existing vehicle alternatives that Polaris already offers with engineered rollover protection.
The TV commercial can be viewed at the below link:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/s2i5fnmsjuk7d44/Headlines.m4v?dl=0
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 The Weekly Times, 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.
Whilst Polaris' views are certainly in line with the FCAI position and not supportive of the fitment of aftermarket crush protection devices, 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. Customers and workplaces already have a choice, without having to engage in this contentious issue.
"Polaris already offers engineered and globally certified rollover protection in the form of its 23 models with Rollover Protection Structures (ROPS), including the unique Polaris ACE," said Polaris Australia & New Zealand Managing Director, Peter Alexander.
On top of this, Polaris continues to promote positive behaviors such as wearing helmets and personal protective equipment, operating the vehicle safely and within manufacturer's guidelines, and the importance of training to enhance rider safety.
"We remain mindful that there is substantial and credible research stacked against the use of crush protection devices and we will be interested to review the market control mechanisms WorkSafe may envisage as aftermarket companies lay claim to safety contraptions and net safety benefits. Such detail would be important if they really were planning prosecutions," Alexander said.
"We encourage customers to consider the inherent benefits of many technologies found in Polaris products, including ROPS, Speed Key, Descent Control, Seat Belt Interlockers, seat belts, side nets and other features that farmers may want to consider when they are balancing utility, safety and purpose.
"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. A model such as the Polaris ACE offers many of the benefits of an ATV with inherent safety technology included."
For more information or to locate your nearest dealer, please visit www.polarisindustries.com.au
https://www.facebook.com/PolarisAustralia/
ENDS
About Polaris
Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) is a global powersports leader with annual 2015 sales of $4.7 billion. Polaris fuels the passion of riders, workers and outdoor enthusiasts with our RANGER®, RZR® and POLARIS GENERAL™ side-by-side off-road vehicles; our SPORTSMAN® and POLARIS ACE® all-terrain off-road vehicles; VICTORY® and INDIAN MOTORCYCLE® midsize and heavyweight motorcycles; SLINGSHOT® moto-roadsters; and Polaris RMK®, INDY®, SWITCHBACK® and RUSH® snowmobiles. Polaris enhances the riding experience with parts, garments and accessories sold under multiple recognizable brands, and has a growing presence in adjacent markets globally with products including military and commercial off-road vehicles, quadricycles, and electric vehicles.
www.polarisindustries.com.au
Polaris Industries Inc. trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "PII", and the Company is included in the S&P Mid-Cap 400 stock price index