Safe use of tractors
The purpose of this Safety Alert is to remind employers and workers of the risk associated with the use of tractors.
Background
A male worker was recently killed on a mango farm located at Humpty Doo, south of Darwin. The deceased was operating a tractor when he received fatal crush injuries. The preliminary inquiry showed the tractor had travelled approximately 40 meters before crashing into a mango tree. The deceased was found several meters from the tractor. An investigation into this incident is currently underway.
Action required
- Read and follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions before operating a tractor
- Before starting, make sure the tractor is in neutral gear and the hand brake is on
- Always operate the tractor from a seated position. Adjust the seat so that all the controls are in easy reach
- Do not try to get down from a moving tractor
- If you need to get down from the tractor while the engine is running, make sure the hand brake is on and the gear is in neutral.
Further information
Information bulletins
Disclaimer
This Safety Alert contains safety information following inquires made by NT WorkSafe about an incident or unsafe practice. The information contained in this Alert does not necessarily include the outcome of NT WorkSafe’s action with respect to an incident. NT WorkSafe does not warrant the information in this Alert is complete or up-to-date and does not accept any liability for the information in this report or as to its use.