SafeWork SA issues warning after auger operator dies

A warning has been issued to businesses and their workers regarding the hazards of using augers, in light of a fatal incident involving a worker at a property south of Adelaide last month.

SafeWork SA investigators visited the site following a report that a worker had become trapped in a post-hole auger during the installation of posts.

“The incident happened when the worker, who was operating alone, dismounted from the tractor attached to the power take-off (PTO) gearbox-driven auger,” SafeWork SA said.

The workplace safety regulator cautions workers against exiting the tractor while it is in use, as the equipment cannot be managed from outside the confines of the vehicle.

View all the information here.