SafeWork SA urges farmers to harvest safely

SafeWork SA Urges Farmers to Harvest Safely

SafeWork SA reminds farmers to be extra careful when working with machinery during the harvesting season, following a spate of incidents involving unguarded equipment. Maintaining strong safety practices throughout harvest remains critical for reducing risk of injury on farms across the state.

The reminder comes after the safety watchdog was recently notified of several incidents involving unguarded machinery, many of which posed serious hazards to workers operating in feed mills and grain handling facilities.

Recent Incidents Highlight Hazardous Conditions

SafeWork SA said a worker recently lost several fingers after becoming trapped in an unguarded grain transfer auger. This incident underscores the entanglement risk associated with unshielded moving parts on farm machinery.

"Inspectors also visited a large piggery where they observed, and prohibited, several items of unguarded farming equipment used in the feed mill," SafeWork SA said.

"This machinery posed a serious risk to the safety of workers and other persons due to potential risk of entanglement and/or amputation."

Common Hazards During Harvest Season

Harvest periods bring a heightened risk of equipment-related injury, particularly where guarding has been removed, damaged, or never installed. Farmers should inspect machinery for hazardous conditions before each shift, paying close attention to:

• Unguarded augers, belts, and rotating shafts
• Electrical faults in feed mill and grain handling equipment
• Electrical wiring exposed to dust, moisture, or physical damage
• Poorly maintained machinery used for extended hours during peak harvest

Electrical hazards remain a persistent concern on farms, where equipment often operates in dusty, damp conditions that accelerate wear on electrical components. Regular checks of electrical systems can significantly lower the risk of fire or shock incidents alongside mechanical hazards.

Compliance and Health Obligations for Farm Operators

Farm operators carry ongoing compliance obligations under work health and safety legislation, including a duty to guard machinery adequately and eliminate foreseeable hazards where reasonably practicable.

Meeting compliance requirements isn't just about avoiding penalties — it directly protects the health and wellbeing of everyone on site. SafeWork SA's inspectors continue to monitor farming operations closely, prohibiting use of equipment that presents an unacceptable risk to health or safety.

For guidance on managing similar risks, see how WorkSafe urges farmers to prioritise safety during the harvest season, and review advice on prioritising safety around farm vehicles following recent fatalities.

Working at Height and Other On-Farm Risks

Machinery guarding isn't the only area drawing regulatory attention this season. SafeWork SA has also flagged the need for clearer procedures around elevated work, as detailed in its discussion on working at height safety procedures.

Farmers handling cleaning tasks in confined or poorly ventilated spaces should also consult resources such as the Cleaning Without Adequate Ventilation SafeWork Method Statement to manage exposure risks appropriately.

Practical Resources for Safer Harvesting

SafeWork SA encourages farm businesses to draw on available resources to strengthen their approach to machine guarding and overall workplace practices. Reviewing equipment manuals, consulting industry guidance, and engaging qualified technicians for electrical maintenance all contribute to a safer harvest.

Ultimately, reducing risk during harvest comes down to consistent vigilance — checking guards, inspecting electrical connections, and addressing hazardous equipment before it causes harm. Farmers who prioritise these steps protect not only their workforce but also their own long-term operational safety.

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