Young workers seriously injured in auger incidents (July and August 2023)

Auger intakes and harvesting machinery are a major cause of harm and injury. There have been two recent incidents in the agriculture industry involving young workers who suffered serious injuries after becoming entangled in unguarded augers. Young workers (aged up to 25) are considered a group of workers who are at increased risk in the workplace and require additional consideration when managing health and safety.

Grafton

28 July 2023

A 21-year-old worker was monitoring the flow of grain in an unguarded auger at a cattle farm when her hand became entangled in the auger. The worker suffered severe injuries to her right hand including a severed finger and significant damage to other fingers.

An auger in front of a grain silo.
A close up of an unguarded auger surrounded by grain.

Walgett

6 August 2023

A 17-year-old worker was operating a grain mill at a feedlot when his foot became entangled and pulled into the moving auger. Emergency services attended site and cut the outer casing of the auger to free the worker’s foot. The worker suffered serious injuries to his foot.

A close up of an unguarded auger surrounded by grain.

Safety information

Consider ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risks associated with working near augers.

Ensure:

  • parts of the auger that can cause injury are adequately guarded
  • when access is not required during operation, maintenance or cleaning, the guarding is a permanent fixed barrier
  • when access is required during operation, maintenance or cleaning, the guarding is an interlocked physical barrier that prevents access during operation of the plant
  • if either of the above are not reasonably practicable, the guarding is a physical barrier that can only be removed using a tool, otherwise a presence-sensing safeguard system is used
  • isolation and lock out/tag out systems are implemented when non-permanent guards are removed for maintenance and cleaning purposes and guards are replaced before the auger is restarted
  • a suitable blockage clearing device is provided. Do not use hands or feet to clear blockages
  • emergency stops are installed, clearly and durably marked, accessible and tested so they remain effective
  • emergency plans are prepared, maintained and implemented
  • adequate training and instruction is provided to all workers for the safe use of powered plant
  • adequate supervision of young and inexperienced workers
  • suitable communication systems are in place.

Related guidance material

Further information

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