Safety alert issued after worker crushed by tractor

In May 2022, a worker was crushed to death by a tractor. Early investigations revealed that the man was operating the tractor (with slasher attachment) by himself. It appears he either got off the tractor while it was moving or fell from the tractor and it struck him. Workplace Health and Safety Queensland is investigating the incident.

Tractors are essential for agricultural, greenkeeping, gardening, landscaping and other activities. They are usually safe when operated properly but can be dangerous if used incorrectly. They have reportedly been involved in more deaths than any other piece of rural machinery, with runovers mainly linked to starting a tractor from the ground, carrying passengers (usually children) on tractors or from attempting to get on or off a moving tractor. Tractor operators are most at risk of injury when the tractor does not have ROPS, if the operator does not wear a fitted seatbelt, if the equipment is poorly maintained or if the tractor is working near dams, ditches, irrigation channels, embankments or overhanging structures. Operators are also at risk when the tractor is working on uneven terrain or rough, slick and muddy surfaces, or when travelling through pastures where high vegetation obscures stumps or potholes.

Taking steps to manage risks is a condition of doing business in Queensland. Effective risk management starts with a commitment to health and safety from those who manage the business. Persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) are advised to use the hierarchy of controls to help decide how to eliminate and reduce risks in their place of work. The hierarchy of controls ranks types of control methods from the highest level of protection and reliability to the lowest. It’s a step-by-step approach to eliminating or reducing risks. PCBUs must work through the hierarchy of controls when managing risks, with the aim of eliminating the hazard, which is the most effective control.

Incidents occur when risks aren’t properly assessed and controlled. Control measures will vary depending on the type of vehicle. To work safely with a tractor, PCBUs are advised to read and follow all the manufacturer’s operating instructions and to ensure that tractor drivers have completed specialised training for the particular farm needs. PCBUs must also ensure that a roll-over protective structure has been fitted to the tractor in accordance with s. 216 Roll-over protection on tractors of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011. Tractor operators must wear comfortable, well-fitting clothing and boots, as well as hearing protection when driving tractors without cabins, and wear a seatbelt where fitted. Tractor seats should also be adjusted so the controls can be operated comfortably and safely.

PCBUs are advised to keep children away from tractors and machinery, and to keep all guards in place, including power take off (PTO) and master shield guards. Tractor operators must not carry passengers unless there is a designated seat and seatbelt within the protective zone of the ROPS. ROPS must comply with the design and testing requirements specified in AS1636.1-1996 Tractors – Roll-over protective structures – Criteria and tests or an equivalent standard.

Hazards such as the uncontrolled movement of tractors and risks brought about by poor systems of work may also be minimised by driving tractors at speeds slow enough to keep control over unexpected hazards, never allowing people to ride on tractor carryalls and not driving on gradients in wet conditions where there’s high risk of overturning because of sliding or the tractor’s wheels sinking into the ground. Tractors must be driven at speeds slow enough to keep control over unexpected hazards — speeds should also be reduced before turning or applying turning brakes.

Tractor operators should descend slops cautiously with the tractor in low gear. When a tractor is bogged in mud or in a ditch, operators should drive out in reverse gear, with logs and plants only used behind the rear wheels to increase traction, as using them in front of the rear wheels increases the chance of the wheels locking and the tractor backflipping. Operators should only climb on or off a tractor that is stopped and are advised not to dismount while the engine is running, unless the transmission is in neutral or park position and the parking brake is engaged.

When towing a trailer, tractor operators are advised to ensure the load is evenly balanced and well secured, and must always operate the vehicle at low speed. When working in remote areas or working alone, tractor operators should always let someone know where they are going and when they are expected back.

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