Calls for a ‘safety first’ approach mount as NSW farmer is fined over worker injury

Authorities are calling on NSW farmers to put safety first after a farmer was fined $50,000 over a workplace incident in which a man was seriously injured in 2020.

The farmer was recently sentenced in a Sydney court for failing to ensure as far as reasonably practicable the health and safety of workers.

The court heard that the man was trying to clear grain from a silo when part of his leg was severed by machinery.

“In the case before the court, the worker was employed by a family-owned and operated farm with interests in sheep and beef cattle farming, as well as grain,” NSW Fair Trading Commissioner Natasha Mann said.

Ms Mann urged all New South Wales agribusinesses to prioritise safety and ensure workers are properly trained.

“This is a must if we are to stem the tide of injuries,” Ms Mann said.

For more on this story, go to the SafeWork NSW website.