Farmer Killed by Tractor in Northern Victoria

A farmer has died after a tractor incident in Northern Victoria. WorkSafe confirmed the man, 65, was working in Lockington when he was run over by his tractor on Sunday morning.

According to WorkSafe Victoria, "the man was working to attach an implement behind the idling tractor when the tractor suddenly reversed."

WorkSafe Victoria has opened a formal investigation into the fatal incident, examining site conditions and machinery operation at the time of death.

What Happened During the Incident

Reports indicate the farmer was attaching machinery to his tractor when it reversed unexpectedly, resulting in him being struck. Sadly, he did not survive his injuries. This tragedy follows a troubling pattern of tractor-related incidents across regional Victoria, highlighting ongoing risks faced by agricultural workers.

This latest fatality echoes a similar case where a farmer was killed after being struck by a tractor in western Victoria, underscoring how quickly routine farm tasks can turn deadly when heavy machinery is involved.

WorkSafe's Ongoing Investigation

WorkSafe has stressed the importance of thorough safety checks before operating agricultural equipment. Investigators are reviewing the circumstances surrounding how the tractor reversed while idling, and whether mechanical or procedural factors contributed to the incident.

Farm operators across Victoria's rural districts are being urged to reassess their machinery handling procedures. Attaching implements to an idling tractor carries inherent risk, particularly when operators work alone or without secondary safety controls in place.

A Pattern of Tractor-Related Incidents in Victoria

This is not an isolated event. Victoria has recorded several tractor-related incidents in recent years, including a case where a man was killed in a tractor incident in central Victoria, and another tragic case involving a bull killing a farmer in northern Victoria.

Farming remains one of Australia's most hazardous industries, with machinery-related deaths consistently ranking among the leading causes of workplace fatalities on farms, according to Safe Work Australia data.

Reducing Risk on Australian Farms

Safety professionals recommend farm operators implement documented procedures for attaching and operating machinery, particularly around idling tractors. Comprehensive safe work method statements can help reduce risk by outlining clear steps for hazard identification, equipment checks, and safe operating conditions before any task begins.

Businesses seeking to strengthen their agricultural safety practices can refer to a dedicated Tractor Operation SWMS, which outlines safe procedures for tractor use, or a specific Tractor-Mounted Slasher SWMS for operators using attached implements.

Victorian construction and agricultural businesses may also benefit from a broader Architectural SWMS Pack for Victoria, offering a range of compliant documentation for various site conditions and equipment types.

Key Takeaways

• A 65-year-old farmer has died following a tractor incident in Lockington, Northern Victoria.
• WorkSafe Victoria has launched an investigation into the fatal incident.
• The tractor reportedly reversed suddenly while idling, striking the man as he attached an implement.
• WorkSafe continues to urge farm operators to review safety procedures around machinery operation.
• Victoria has seen multiple tractor-related incidents in recent years, reinforcing the need for robust safety documentation on farms.

Source: WorkSafe Victoria website.