Tractor attachment fatality (3 October 2020)

A 52-year-old worker was killed while conducting minor maintenance works on a home-made front tank attachment on a tractor. Initial inquiries indicate the worker was crushed when the attachment, suspended by the tractor, shifted, resulting in a partial failure of the welded area.

The tractor and attachment involved in the incident.

Safety information

You must consider ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risks associated with working with tractors and attachments, including:

  • assessing the risks associated with each attachment used on the tractor
  • planning and selecting the correct equipment or attachment for the task
  • ensuring any attachments used on the tractor are:
    • designed for the task being carried out
    • installed in accordance with the supplier or manufacturer’s instructions
    • suitable for the load being moved or lifted
    • regularly inspected and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
  • establishing safe systems of work for inspecting or working underneath a tractor including lowering any moveable attachments to the ground or blocking the attachment
  • ensuring any work or modification to the tractor is designed and carried out by a competent person
  • ensuring tractor operators and those making modifications are trained and competent in the correct use of the tractor and any attachments, and have access to all relevant safety information provided by the manufacturer.

More information

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