Retired farmer crushed by hay bales (12 October 2024)
A 74-year-old retired farmer sustained fatal injuries when he was found under two hay bales weighing approximately 600kg each. The bales fell from a truck whilst being unloaded at a rural property in Rand NSW.
Safety information
Consider ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risks associated with unloading heavy loads using mobile plant.
Ensure:
- in consultation with workers involved in the loading and unloading process, a detailed traffic management plan including clearly defined exclusion zones and procedures is prepared before the loading and unloading of hay bales
- the traffic management plan is enforced, a clear line of site is maintained between all workers and the activity is stopped if the line of sight is compromised
- the exclusion zones are maintained around mobile plant and if other persons enter the loading and unloading area, work is stopped immediately
- specific control measures are in place to remove the risk associated with falling hay bales while loading and unloading is being undertaken. For example, ensure workers are not on the opposite side of a trailer where the hay bales are being loaded or unloaded.
- workers have the necessary training, experience and supervision to identify hazards and control the risks associated with unloading heavy loads and the general operation of mobile plant
- care is taken not to dislodge other bales – when lifting bales across the surface of the bale below, this can lead to stacks becoming unstable
- stacks are always stable and checked regularly for movement.
Related guidance material
- Code of Practice – Managing the risks of plant in the workplace (PDF, 1987.96 KB)
- Working with hay bales
- Safety around your vehicle glove box guide
- Equipment on farms
- Farm machinery Fact Sheet
- Safety around your tractor (PDF, 1674.31 KB)