WorkSafe issues mobile plant safety reminder

WorkSafe is reminding workers about the importance of safely operating powered mobile plant on farms.

The reminder was issued following the death of a 61-year-old farmer who was killed instantly when the large self-propelled auger he was using overturned.

“Powered mobile plant, including self-propelled augers, can overturn or collide,” WorkSafe Victoria states in the reminder.

“If there is a seat or operator platform, users can be ejected and suffer serious or fatal injuries.”

WorkSafe data shows agriculture accounts for just 2% of Victoria's workforce, yet 14% of workplace fatalities occur in this sector. Around 75% of farm fatalities typically occur due to mobile plant and farm vehicles.

The safety regulator reminds employers and farmers to assess and identify potential risks before operating mobile plant machinery to prevent overturning incidents.

Read more here.