Farmer dies after being struck by tractor north of Perth

A farmer has died after being struck by a tractor in Western Australia on Tuesday evening. This tragic incident has reignited concerns over tractor operation safety across the agriculture sector.

The 89-year-old man was reportedly unloading hay from the tractor when the vehicle slipped into gear, rolled and struck him, WorkSafe said on Thursday.

The incident happened at Berkshire Valley, roughly 200km north of Perth, on farming land within a close-knit rural community. WorkSafe is investigating the incident.

WorkSafe Responds to Rising Agriculture Deaths

"This is the ninth death in agriculture workplaces in the past year, and that figure is not acceptable," WorkSafe WA Commissioner Darren Kavanagh said.

"I'm particularly concerned about farmers in the over-60 age group, as six of the nine agriculture workers who have lost their lives over the past year have been in this age group."

Agriculture Remains a High-Risk Industry in Australia

Kavanagh noted that agriculture is frequently represented among the top three industries for workplace deaths across Australia, underscoring an increasing need to give greater priority to safety and health within the sector.

"I have called upon agriculture industry leaders to increase efforts to change these tragic circumstances in this industry," he said.

Preventing Similar Tractor-Related Deaths

Incidents like this highlight why robust safety protocols matter for anyone operating heavy machinery on farms. Reviewing site-specific procedures, such as those outlined in a Tractor – Mounted Slasher SWMS or a Tractor – Post Driver Telescopic SWMS, can help operators identify hazards before they result in serious harm.

Similar tragedies have occurred elsewhere in the country. A farmer killed after being struck by tractor in western Victoria and a Melbourne worker who died after being struck by loader both point to a pattern of preventable machinery-related deaths that safety leaders continue working to address.

Originally published in Perth Now.