Farm deaths prompt WorkSafe WA inquiry

Western Australia has recorded the 12th work-related death in the agricultural industry in as many months, prompting a WorkSafe inquiry into the sector.

WorkSafe WA said a 24-year-old man died on a farm in the Great Southern region on Tuesday, after being struck on the head when the equipment he was using to tow a bogged vehicle failed.

The inquiry will be led by WorkSafe Commissioner Darren Kavanagh and will look at work-related fatalities in the agriculture industry over the past five years.

“The statistics for the agricultural industry are not acceptable, and it is deeply concerning that the number of fatalities in the industry continues to increase,” Mr Kavanagh said.

“As the regulator, I have advised the Minister of my intention to use my powers under the Work Health and Safety Act 2020 to conduct an inquiry into the industry, beginning with examining the tragic deaths of agricultural workers and family members over the past five years.”

Read the full story on the WorkSafe WA website.