Farm vehicle fatality (5 October 2019)
Date of incident: 5 October 2019
A 38-year-old man sustained fatal injuries after losing control and rolling a 4WD farm vehicle as he descended a steep hill at Yaven Creek, near Adelong, in the Riverina region of NSW.
![location of incident and vehicle](https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0010/569341/Farm-vehicle.jpg)
The investigation
Safety information
Consider ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risks of using plant, such as farm vehicles, on steep terrain. Make sure:
- the vehicle is appropriate for the task and the terrain
- the vehicle is maintained according to the manufacturer’s recommendations
- you reduce the tyre pressure, to increase the traction
- you use seat belts and drive in low gear
- the load is secure and doesn’t affect the vehicle’s stability
- you assess the environmental conditions, knowing where there are rocks, trees, creeks and gullies, and where the ground is soft and rain-affected – consider walking the route before driving
- you have plan B if the terrain is too steep or the vehicle too unstable
- the driver is well-trained in using the vehicle for the task being undertaken.