WorkSafe Victoria issues trailer safety reminder to farm workers

WorkSafe Victoria has issued a safety alert to remind farmers about the dangers of riding on trailers.

The safety regulator issued the alert following an incident in which a worker died after falling from a trailer in February.

“In 2022, we have already had a death and one very serious incident involving people riding on trailers behind farm vehicles, such as tractors and utes,” WorkSafe Victoria said in the alert.

WorkSafe said many trailers are not designed to carry people, adding that there is a huge risk of roll-over or run-over when people ride on trailers.

According to WorkSafe, under the Victorian OHS Act, employers are required to identify health or safety risks in using vehicles, trailers, quad bikes, tractors, etc., and eliminate or reduce those risks so far as is reasonably practicable.

For more on the above safety alert, go to the WorkSafe Victoria website.