Man killed after being hit by tractor in Victoria

Man Killed After Being Hit by Tractor in Victoria

A man has died after being struck by a reversing tractor at a dairy farm in south west Victoria, according to news reports. Our summary: the fatal incident occurred on a property near Nirranda South, off the Great Ocean Rd, raising fresh concerns about farm safety in the region.

The incident happened on Thursday afternoon on a dairy farm property. According to reports, the 66-year-old was walking close to a reversing tractor and trailer when he was struck.

Emergency crews attended the scene, but the man could not be taken to hospital for treatment as he had already died from his injuries. Local paramedics near Beech Forest were also called to assist, though the outcome could not be changed once crews arrived.

What We Know So Far

Details remain limited, but early news coverage indicates the man was on foot near the moving tractor when the collision occurred. WorkSafe has since initiated a formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death, consistent with standard procedure whenever a workplace fatality occurs on a farm in Australia.

• Location: dairy farm property, south west Victoria
• Date: Thursday afternoon
• Victim: 66-year-old man
• Cause: struck by reversing tractor and trailer
• Investigating body: WorkSafe

Why Farm Safety Around Machinery Matters

Tractors remain among the most dangerous pieces of equipment used on Australian farms, particularly when operators are reversing or manoeuvring near workers on foot. Limited visibility, blind spots, and noise can all contribute to a person being struck without warning. Similar tragedies have made news across the state before. Our coverage of a farmer killed after being struck by tractor in western Victoria highlights how these incidents continue to occur despite ongoing safety campaigns. Another report on a man killed in tractor incident in central Victoria further underscores the recurring risks tied to agricultural vehicle operation.

Beyond tractors, other equipment-related dangers persist on worksites too. A separate account of a man flown to hospital after being hit by metal pole shows that struck-by hazards extend well past farm machinery alone.

Strengthening Safety on Farms and Worksites

Robust safety practices are essential for anyone operating or working near tractors and heavy machinery. Employers and property owners should ensure:

• Clear communication protocols between machine operators and ground workers
• Regular safety briefings covering reversing procedures and blind spots
• Use of documented procedures, such as a Tractor Operation SWMS, to standardise safe operating practices
• Additional controls for attachments, including guidance from a Tractor – Mounted Slasher SWMS

Businesses operating across multiple trades in the state may also benefit from a broader Architectural SWMS Pack for Victoria, which supports consistent documentation across various on-site tasks.

Investigation Ongoing

WorkSafe's investigation into this latest death will examine whether existing safety measures were followed and whether further controls could have prevented the tragedy. As with previous cases reported in the news, findings from the inquiry may prompt renewed calls for stricter safety requirements around reversing vehicles on farms.

We'll continue to monitor developments and provide updates as further news becomes available. Read the original article here.