Worker fatally crushed by backhoe (29 December 2022)
A 28-year-old farm worker suffered fatal injuries when the backhoe he was operating slid approximately 2 metres into a culvert and landed on its side. The worker was ejected from the machine and pinned under the cabin structure.
Safety information
Many farm related fatalities involve tractors, agricultural equipment and earth moving machinery. Consider ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risks associated with the use of farm machinery and isolated or remote work.
Ensure:
- there are systems in place to ensure the health and safety of workers performing remote or isolated work
- site conditions are assessed for potential hazards i.e., ground conditions and systems are in place to eliminate and/or manage the site-specific risks
- appropriate machinery is selected for the job task
- a work plan is developed and is followed by all workers. The work plan must detail the:
- tasks to be performed
- how the tasks are to be performed
- the location of the tasks.
- workers are trained and competent in the use of plant and machinery
- safety devices such as seatbelts are fitted to plant and utilised as part of the safe system of work
- an emergency response plan is in place
- plant and machinery are regularly inspected and maintained by a competent person
- plant is properly immobilised e.g., parked on a flat, level, hard surface, park brake engaged, ignition turned off and keys removed. Never attempt to access the plant or vehicle if it starts to roll
- plant is securely stored when not in use to prevent unauthorised access or use.
Related guidance material
- How to manage work health and safety risks – Code of Practice (PDF, 556.72 KB)
- Managing the work environment and facilities – Code of Practice (PDF, 422.29 KB)
- Managing the risks of plant in the workplace – Model Code of Practice
- Farming safety resources
- Farm safety self-assessment (PDF, 478.11 KB)
- Guide for managing the risks of machinery in rural workplaces
- The A-Z of farm safety guide (PDF, 5673.78 KB)
- Remote or isolated work – safety information
- Incident information release – Bogged farm machinery fatality