Worker fatally crushed by olive harvester (26 May 2023)
A 67-year-old owner of an olive farm in Bumbaldry sustained fatal injuries when he was crushed between the hydraulic clamp of an olive harvester.
The olive harvester at the incident scene
Safety information
Many farm-related fatalities involve harvesting machinery. Consider ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risks associated with the use of farm machinery.
Ensure:
- you establish and maintain agreed safe systems of work in relation to the use and operation of the machinery
- plant is properly immobilised, for example 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
- bollards, barriers, safety rails and exclusion zones are in place to separate people from moving plant and vehicles
- the surrounding areas are inspected, and any potential risks such as over-head power lines and uneven ground are identified, and control measures are implemented to minimise the risk
- before operating the plant, look in all directions for people and be aware of the exclusion zones
- plant and machinery are inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations
- workers have the necessary training, experience, and supervision to identify hazards and control risks associated with carrying out maintenance on machinery
- adequate lighting is available to enable the task and any machine maintenance to be carried out safely.
Related guidance material
- Managing the risks of plant in the workplace – Safe Work Australia
- Guide for managing the risks of machinery in rural workplaces – Safe Work Australia
- How to manage work health and safety risks – Code of Practice (PDF, 556.72 KB)
- The A-Z of farm safety guide – SafeWork NSW (PDF, 5673.78 KB)
- Farm safety self-assessment (PDF, 478.11 KB)