Vic farmer dies after being crushed by rotating rock-picker

Farmers are being reminded by WorkSafe to effectively control the risk of fatalities or severe injuries resulting from tractor attachments.

The safety regulator issued the reminder after a farmer, aged 53, was fatally injured while attempting to dislodge a large rock from a rock picker connected to a tractor that still had the power take-off (PTO) engaged.

After the rock was removed, the machine's moving components were activated and ended up crushing the farmer.

WorkSafe states that while agriculture accounts for just 2% of Victoria's workforce, it is responsible for 14% of workplace fatalities. Approximately three quarters of these fatalities are linked to agricultural equipment.

Victoria’s workplace safety watchdog emphasises the importance of reducing or eliminating the likelihood of crush, entanglement, and amputation risks associated with tractor attachments.

Further information can be found here.