SafeWork SA reminds workers and employers of the dangers of augers and other power take-off (PTO) gearbox driven equipment following the death of a worker south of Adelaide last month.
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The worker, who was operating alone installing posts, dismounted from the tractor to which the PTO auger was attached and became entangled in the equipment.
SafeWork SA reminds workers that this type of equipment cannot be controlled from outside the vehicle and, unlike hydraulic systems, does not have controls or safety switches that a worker outside the tractor can reach. Compounding this risk is the added vulnerability of workers working alone or in remote locations.
The following controls can reduce the risk when working with PTO equipment –
- Avoid working alone
- Always start the tractor from the driver seat
- Never dismount from a moving tractor
- Ensure attached equipment is switched off before dismounting from tractor
- Never adjust or work on implements while they are in motion
- Only use PTO implements with a guarded power take-off shaft
- Ensure operators are adequately trained
- Maintain equipment adequately to reduce the need to stop work due to faults
- Retrofitting and emergency stop system that can be accessed from outside the tractor
You can find more information here on our ohsreps website about working alone - Is Working Alone Legal and Safe? - OHS Reps – and machinery and equipment - Plant - OHS Reps
Read more - Auger operator death prompts warning | SafeWork SA