Agriculture
Farming accounts for one in every five worker deaths. Common hazards include quad bikes, animal handling, biosecurity hazards, tree work, noise and electrical work. Below you will find information about recent serious incidents and safety information to help protect you and your workplace.
Asphyxiation in farm tank - 28 May 2020
A worker suffered fatal injuries and a second worker attempting a rescue was rendered unconscious as a result of lack of oxygen, when conducting cleaning operations inside the confined space of a molasses tank at a rural property.
Site of incident incident molasses tank with (390mm) access hole
Safety information
Farm work may involve accessing confined spaces including various types of tanks, silos, and pits. Common hazards associated with working in tanks are:
- organic materials that ferment and result in oxygen depletion such as molasses
- using petrol or diesel motors inside tanks that generate toxic carbon monoxide
Warning! If someone collapses when working inside a tank, it is important to assess the risks before attempting to rescue them. A high number of people who die in confined spaces are the rescuers. If an incident occurs get help. Do not attempt a rescue without knowing the hazards, understanding the required response and using the proper safety equipment.
When working in or around a confined space such as a molasses tank always:
- consider if the work can be done another way without entering the confined space. For example, use external tank connections for cleaning or emptying the tank
- have a competent person conduct and document a risk assessment that considers the hazards, how the work can be done safely and the emergency response procedure
- test the atmosphere to identify if there is an oxygen deficient atmosphere or atmospheric contaminants and any flammable gas or vapour present in the space
- make sure only workers with a permit enter the space and a stand-by worker is supervising the work from outside the space
- put signs on or near any confined space and at each entry point to warn that only people who have been properly trained and have an entry permit can enter
- make sure there is a safe means of entry and exit
- establish emergency procedures and run regular practice drills with workers
- provide workers and supervisors with suitable and adequate information, training and instruction to do their work safely and without risks to health. This may include training in hazard identification and risk control methods, entry permit procedures, emergency procedures and how to use respiratory protective equipment
- keep records of training, risk assessments and confined space entry permits
More information
- https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/hazards-a-z/confined-spaces
- SafeWork NSW confined space analysis and emergency plans
- Code of Practice: Confined Spaces August 2019
- https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/your-industry/agriculture,-forestry-and-fishing/farming/silo-safety
- https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/your-industry/agriculture,-forestry-and-fishing/farming/virtual-farm-safety-day
View the latest incident information releases at safework.nsw.gov.au
Recent spate of quad bike incidents - April 2020
Date of incidents: April 2020
During April there were four separate serious incidents involving quad bikes and a side by side vehicle. Three of the incidents resulted in a fatality, the fourth resulted in spinal injuries to the worker. It is believed that all four incidents involved the vehicle rolling and crushing the rider.
Tamworth
On the morning of the 3 April 2020, a 64-year-old farm worker went to check stock on a sheep stud. When he didn’t return later that afternoon, a search party was organised involving Police and volunteers. The farmer’s body was found that night in a large sloping rocky outcrop, underneath an upright quad bike.
Wauchope
On 8 April, a man was moving his neighbour’s cattle on a side-by-side vehicle. When going up a steep incline the vehicle tipped and rolled, fatally crushing the man underneath. It appears the vehicle's seat belt was fastened so that the vehicle could be started, but not placed around the rider. The man was allegedly not wearing a helmet.
Gloucester
On 13 April, a 69-year-old man sustained a cracked vertebrae and ligament damage when his quad bike rolled over. Westpac Rescue Helicopter transported the man to hospital for treatment.
Grenfell
On 17 April, a 67-year-old woman was found dead in a paddock on her farm. Despite the flat terrain, it appears the quad bike she was riding rolled and crushed her.
Side-by-side vehicle involved in incident (left) and site of incident near Wauchope
Safety information
Consider ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risks associated with quad bikes and side-by side-vehicles.
Make sure:
- the vehicle is appropriate for the task, the terrain and the rider
- you do a quad bike or side-by-side vehicle riding course
- you ride at a speed that’s suitable for the conditions
- you wear a seatbelt when operating side by side vehicles
- you wear an approved helmet
- you wear personal protective equipment, such as goggles and sturdy footwear
- you use and maintain the vehicle in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions
- you don’t overload the vehicle or tow anything that exceeds the vehicle's limits
- you assess the environmental conditions, and know where there are rocks, trees, creeks and gullies, and where the ground is soft and rain-affected – a drone might help
- you avoid steep terrain
- an operator protection device (OPD) is fitted to your quad bike
- someone knows where you're going – carry a mobile phone or other communication device
- no child under 16 years ride adult size bikes
- no passengers on quad bikes
Businesses are reminded of their duty to identify hazards and manage risks to health and safety in accordance with the provisions of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017.
Statistics
- Since 2001, there have been more than 240 quad bike related deaths on Australian farms.
- Over 60 per cent of quad bike fatalities are due to rollover.
- About 30 per cent of quad bike fatalities involve head injuries.
- About 40 per cent of serious injuries from quad bike incidents involve a traumatic head injury.
- Wearing a helmet reduces the risk of fatality in a quad bike incident by 40 per cent.
More information
Leg caught in auger - 20 April 2020
A 22-year-old worker had his leg amputated after it became entangled in an unguarded in-ground auger, while he was cleaning grain out of a flat bottom silo.
Auger guard was removed
Safety information
Farmers and workers are killed or seriously injured every year while working on or inside silos.
The three key reasons are:
- falling from a height
- being overcome by fumes in a confined space
- getting dragged into the auger.
Consider ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risks associated with working near augers and silos.
Make sure:
- parts of the auger that may cause injury – chutes, channels, belts, pulleys – are guarded
- guards can only be removed using a tool
- you use hydraulic rather than mechanical drive systems
- a competent person regularly inspects, maintains and services the auger
- you shut-off machinery before servicing
- you use a lock-out/tag-out procedure when working with augers – don’t use hands or feet to clear blockages
- guards are replaced after maintenance
- workers are trained to use augers
- inexperienced workers are supervised.
More information
Horse-handling head injury - 26 March 2020
Date of incident: 20 March 2020
A 20-year-old stablehand suffered a brain injury after she was kicked in the head and face by a horse, while leading it from its stable to a yard in windy conditions. Displaying flighty, anxious behaviour, it broke free of the lead rope and kicked out with both hind legs.
Safety information
Many workers have been killed or injured falling from a horse, or being bitten, struck or kicked.
When working with or around horses:
- match the person and the horse – knowledge of the horse’s background and the person’s skill level is vital – this involves a separate assessment of the person and the horse
- make sure all workers are inducted, trained and supervised
- make sure workers wear personal protective equipment, such as a helmet (compliant with AS/NZ 3836:2006 Helmets for horse riding and horse related activities or equivalent), safety vest, enclosed boots and gloves
- create a safe environment, with enough space for horses and workers, and suitable exit points
- develop safe work procedures for moving and handling horses
- move quietly and confidently around horses
- be alert to sudden changes in a horse’s behaviour
- consider the age and behaviour of a horse
- consider things that might ‘spook’ a horse, such as weather, traffic or other horses
- always be in a position where you can quickly move away from a horse
- never approach a horse in its kicking zone.
When leading a horse, you should:
- approach it with safety zones in mind, and make a noise so it’s aware you’re approaching
- do so from the left shoulder of the horse, with both hands on the lead rope
- do one horse a time.
Statistics
- More than 10 people are hospitalised every day due to a horse-related injury.
- More than 130 horse-related fatalities occurred in NSW between 2000 and 2014
- Young females are most prone to horse-related injuries, while males are most likely to suffer fatal injuries.
- 40 per cent of all injuries involve being hit by a horse.
More information
Farmer crushed by tractor - 19 December 2019
Date of incident: 19 December 2019
A farmer died after being crushed by a tractor when trying to jump-start it at a property in Coolabah
Incident scene
The investigation
- SafeWork NSW inspectors responded to the incident.
- SafeWork NSW commenced an investigation to determine the cause and circumstances of the incident.
Safety information
Businesses are reminded of their duty to identify hazards and manage risks to health and safety in accordance with the provisions of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017.
Consider ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risks associated with working on tractors. Make sure:
- the tractor is routinely inspected and maintained according to the manufacturer’s recommendations or, if none, the recommendations of a competent person
- all work on the tractor is done by trained and suitably experienced workers, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations
- interlocking devices that prohibit jump-starting are in proper working condition, and not bypassed or removed
- you don’t jump-start the tractor unless the manufacturer has given you specific procedures.
Further information
Tractor rollover (5 November 2019)
Date of incident: 5 November 2019
A 36-year-old man died when the tractor he was steering – which was being towed by another tractor – rolled over and crushed him. The incident occurred at Clybucca.
The investigation
- SafeWork NSW inspectors responded to the incident.
- SafeWork NSW commenced an investigation to determine the cause and circumstances of the incident.
Safety information
A vehicle rollover is one of the most common causes of fatalities in the agricultural industry.
Consider ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risks associated with the rollover of vehicles such as tractors. Make sure:
- you don’t hitch above the centre line of the axle when pulling heavy loads
- you hitch to the front drawbar and use reverse gear when towing a vehicle, to eliminate the potential for the tractor to backflip
- you use the clutch gently when starting up a slope, or towing
- you use an approved fold-down ROPS, with a locking device, when working inside or close to buildings or trees – and install other rollover-protection measures when the ROPS is folded down
- you don’t steer sideways when going up or down a slope
- the tractor is fitted with a rollover protection structure (ROPS), in accordance with section 26 of the regulation – more information is in AS1636:1996
- the ROPS is regularly checked for rust, cracks, fatigue and deformation – if it is present, repair or replace the ROPS
- you don’t change the ROPS – weld it or drill it - without first getting advice from the manufacturer or a suitably competent person
- a seatbelt, when fitted, is always worn.
Further information
- Code of practice: Safe design and operation of tractors
- Tractor rollover protection structures (ROPS) – Requirements – WorkSafe Victoria
- Tractor safety precautions – WorkCover Queensland
- Safe use of tractors with attachments – WorkSafe WA
- Code of practice: Managing the risks of plant in the workplace
- Agriculture work health and safety sector plan
- Small business safety rebate program (includes purchase of a ROPS).
Side-by-side vehicle fatality (20 October 2019)
Date of incident: 20 October 2019
Incident overview
A male farmer sustained fatal crush injuries when the side-by-side vehicle (SSV) he was operating rolled on a farm in Kybeyan.
The investigation
Caption: Side-by-side vehicle involved in the incident.
- SafeWork NSW inspectors responded to the incident.
- SafeWork NSW commenced an investigation to determine the cause and circumstances of the incident.
Safety information
Businesses are reminded of their duty to identify hazards and manage risks to health and safety in accordance with the provisions of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017.
Businesses must implement ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risks associated with operating a side-by-side vehicle, including
- doing a side-by-side vehicle driving course
- driving at a speed that’s suitable for the conditions
- wearing a seatbelt and helmet
- maintaining the vehicle in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
Further information
You can also refer to the following guidance materials:
Farm vehicle fatality (5 October 2019)
Date of incident: 5 October 2019
A 38-year-old man sustained fatal injuries after losing control and rolling a 4WD farm vehicle as he descended a steep hill at Yaven Creek, near Adelong, in the Riverina region of NSW.
The investigation
Safety information
Consider ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risks of using plant, such as farm vehicles, on steep terrain. Make sure:
- the vehicle is appropriate for the task and the terrain
- the vehicle is maintained according to the manufacturer’s recommendations
- you reduce the tyre pressure, to increase the traction
- you use seat belts and drive in low gear
- the load is secure and doesn’t affect the vehicle’s stability
- you assess the environmental conditions, knowing where there are rocks, trees, creeks and gullies, and where the ground is soft and rain-affected – consider walking the route before driving
- you have plan B if the terrain is too steep or the vehicle too unstable
- the driver is well-trained in using the vehicle for the task being undertaken.
Further information
Cattle crush fatality (6 August 2019)
Date of incident: 6 August 2019
Incident overview
A 69 year old, male, contract transport driver sustained fatal crush injuries after being struck by a bull in north western NSW. The worker was loading cattle onto a single deck trailer cattle transporter when a bull turned to exit the truck and pinned him against the race wall.
548306
The investigation
- SafeWork NSW inspectors responded to the incident.
- SafeWork NSW commenced an investigation to determine the cause and circumstances of the incident.
Safety information
Consider ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risk of being crushed, kicked, trampled or gored. If you work with cattle during loading or unloading you are at greater risk of being injured when:
- you are inside the confines of the loading ramp (either behind or in between the cattle)
- you put your limbs through the bars of the ramp to move the cattle up or down the ramp.
Handlers must anticipate unpredictable animal behaviour when animals are in confined situations during loading, particularly when loading cattle by ramp. To stay safe:
- Train workers to perform the task safely.
- Design the loading ramp to accommodate the size and flow of the cattle.
- Ensure the width of the loading ramp is appropriate to the breed or class of cattle that will be negotiating the ramp.
- Ensure the slope of the loading ramp is not too steep.
- Put sheeting or panels along the walls of the loading ramp (sheeted panels make the cattle focus on the ramp exit and eliminate other distractions, sheeting also prevents your legs getting caught).
- Use a non-slip material on the floors of the ramp that does not vibrate or create noises likely to startle the animals.
- Use a catwalk and handrail alongside the ramp to help handlers move cattle at a safe distance.
- Fix a sliding gate at the top of the ramp that can be safely used to secure animals on the truck once it is loaded.
- Employ ‘low stress’ livestock handling techniques during loading or unloading.
Further information
You can also refer to the following guidance materials:
- Guide to managing risks in cattle handling
- Working with livestock: factsheet
- Cattle handling safety – a practical guide
- Guide for safe design of livestock loading ramps and forcing yards
- Safe loading and unloading of cattle – WorkSafe QLD
- Small business safety rebate program (use towards purchase of a cattle crush)