Fatal incident involving farm machinery

Possible control measures to prevent similar incidents

A person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) has duties under WHS legislation to control the risks associated with agricultural tasks in a farm environment. PCBUs must first consider controls that most effectively eliminate the risk or, where not reasonably practicable, that minimise the risks.

Effective control measures for tractors and attachments are often made up of a combination of controls. Developing and implementing a safe system of work to manage the potential risks associated with farm operations could include but is not limited to:

• Pre-start inspections
  • PCBUs should ensure that visual and pre-start inspections of rural plant are carried out before the plant is put to use.
  • Inspection is one of the best tools available to identify hazards and assess any associated risks before accidents occur. Inspection can accomplish the following:
    • identify potential problems of operation not referred to in the manufacturer’s instructions.
    • identify deficiencies in the rural plant or the equipment associated with the use of the plant. Among the basic causes of problems are normal wear and tear, corrosion, modifications, and loose or damaged rural plant parts.
    • identify worker actions associated with the use of rural plant (this will identify where further training is needed).
    • identify effects of changes in processes or materials associated with rural plant (changes may gradually occur that produce a different outcome than originally assessed).
    • identify inadequacies in implemented control measures.
    • identify changing hazards during transport activities.

• Servicing and maintenance
  • Rural plant should be serviced and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s requirements and specified periods, or as advised by the competent person (e.g., engineer, trades person, manufacturer representative). A record of all relevant servicing and/or maintenance should be kept.
  • Through effective servicing and maintenance, a PCBU can prevent rural plant from deteriorating to a point where it becomes unsafe. This will help prevent rural plant becoming a risk to health and safety.
• Following manufacturer’s operating instructions
  • rural plant operators reading and following the manufacturer's operating instructions and being trained in the rural plant’s safe operating procedures in addition completing specialised training for the particular farm needs.
  • Work procedures should highlight key steps or specific task requirements that must be followed to ensure the safe operation of rural plant.
• Providing easy to understand information, training and instruction to workers, including how to undertake work tasks. Ensure experienced workers are involved in any training. Keep records of training completed.
• Ensuring all workers undergo induction at the beginning of their employment.
• Consulting with workers on rural plant issues that may affect their health or safety. Consultation can take the form of an informal discussion or during the inspection of the workplace.
• Wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for the work to be performed including but not limited to gloves, protective footwear, hearing protection, safety glasses or sunglasses, hats, long-sleeved collared shirt, long pants and sunscreen. Ensure all workers wear PPE if supplied and they are instructed in the proper use.

Some further common safety considerations when a tractor is operated include (but not limited to):

• Drive tractors at speeds slow enough to keep control over unexpected hazards.
• Only attach implements to the drawbar, three-point linkage or other specified hitch points specifically designed for that purpose.
• Never hitch to points forward of, or higher than the drawbar as this could be extremely dangerous.
• Ensure that the weight applied to the three-point linkage by lifting jibs or other attached equipment does not exceed the manufacturer’s specifications or adversely affect stability or steering. In addition, seek expert technical advice before fixing counterweights or wheel weights (front or rear) to increase tractor stability.
• When a power implement is attached, ensure all guards are in place before operating.
• Do not attempt to adjust or work on implements while they are in motion.
• Do not use or attach implements unless the power shaft or power take-off shaft is guarded.
• Seek advice from the operating manual or supplier about the recommended weight of a trailer or implement that the tractor can safely tow before towing it.

The control measures you put in place should be regularly reviewed to make sure they are effective. If the control measure is not working effectively, it must be revised to ensure it is effective in controlling the risk.