The operator of a Gippsland farm faces four charges under the OHS Act following the death of a worker in November 2024.
The 47-year-old worker suffered fatal injuries after accessing the danger area of a machine whilst repairing or replacing a roll of plastic film.
The farm operator has been charged by WorkSafe with two charges under section 24(1) for failing to ensure that persons were not exposed to health and safety risks by the conduct of his undertaking; and two charges under section 26(1) for failing to ensure that a workplace under his management or control was safe and without risks to health.
WorkSafe alleges the farm operator failed to reduce the risk of injury or death by failing to ensure the machine's interlocked physical barrier, which prevented access to the danger area during operation, was not disabled; or failing to engage a suitably qualified person to ensure the interlock sensor functioned as intended.
It is further alleged he failed to take measures to ensure the plant was isolated before the worker undertook the task.
WorkSafe publishes free information for farm operators and users of plant and machinery to offer guidance on ensuring that all hazards are identified and either eliminated or reduced.
- · Farming: Safety basics | WorkSafe Victoria
- · Farm machinery | WorkSafe Victoria
- · Controlling entanglement risks | WorkSafe Victoria
- · Plant, machinery and equipment | WorkSafe Victoria
- · Compliance code: Plant | WorkSafe Victoria
- · Plant and your legal duties | WorkSafe Victoria
- · Plant health and safety guide | WorkSafe Victoria
- · Plant hazard checklist | WorkSafe Victoria
Read more: Charges following farm machinery death | WorkSafe Victoria