Child dies after falling from trailer

A five year old boy has died after falling from a trailer being towed by a ride-on mower at Rochester in the north of Victoria.

The death, on September 3, is the fourth involving a child in a Victorian workplace since the start of last year and the second in 2003.

WorkSafe Executive Director, John Merritt said the case again illustrates the danger of allowing children in workplaces. "WorkSafe investigates many cases where children are hurt in workplaces, but we know there are many more injuries that we never hear about.

"The general message to the community is that workplaces and work-related activities can be disastrous for children. It might be great fun to help mum or dad at work, but it is too easy for a child to fall from a trailer, tractor or ute. Whether it be a farm, warehouse or factory, every workplace has dangers that adults understand. However, they can be potentially fatal. Every parent knows children can get away in an instant. In a work environment, that greatly increases the risk of death or serious injury."