Farm vehicle fatality (5 October 2019)

Date of incident: 5 October 2019

A 38-year-old man sustained fatal injuries after losing control and rolling a 4WD farm vehicle as he descended a steep hill at Yaven Creek, near Adelong, in the Riverina region of NSW.

location of incident and vehicle
Site of incident and vehicle

The investigation

  • SafeWork NSW inspectors responded to the incident.
  • SafeWork NSW commenced an investigation to determine the cause and circumstances of the incident.

    • Safety information

    Consider ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risks of using plant, such as farm vehicles, on steep terrain. Make sure:

    • the vehicle is appropriate for the task and the terrain
    • the vehicle is maintained according to the manufacturer’s recommendations
    • you reduce the tyre pressure, to increase the traction
    • you use seat belts and drive in low gear
    • the load is secure and doesn’t affect the vehicle’s stability
    • you assess the environmental conditions, knowing where there are rocks, trees, creeks and gullies, and where the ground is soft and rain-affected – consider walking the route before driving
    • you have plan B if the terrain is too steep or the vehicle too unstable
    • the driver is well-trained in using the vehicle for the task being undertaken.

    Further information

    Download a PDF of this release

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