Worker fatally crushed by olive harvester (26 May 2023)
A 67-year-old owner of an olive farm in Bumbaldry sustained fatal injuries when he was crushed between the hydraulic clamp of an olive harvester.
![A piece of moving plant used to harvest olives, situated in a farm setting](https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0010/1188343/olive-harvester-IIR.jpg)
The olive harvester at the incident scene
Safety information
Many farm-related fatalities involve harvesting machinery. Consider ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risks associated with the use of farm machinery.
Ensure:
- you establish and maintain agreed safe systems of work in relation to the use and operation of the machinery
- plant is properly immobilised, for example parked on a flat, level, hard surface, park brake engaged, ignition turned off and keys removed. Never attempt to access the plant or vehicle if it starts to roll
- bollards, barriers, safety rails and exclusion zones are in place to separate people from moving plant and vehicles
- the surrounding areas are inspected, and any potential risks such as over-head power lines and uneven ground are identified, and control measures are implemented to minimise the risk
- before operating the plant, look in all directions for people and be aware of the exclusion zones
- plant and machinery are inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations
- workers have the necessary training, experience, and supervision to identify hazards and control risks associated with carrying out maintenance on machinery
- adequate lighting is available to enable the task and any machine maintenance to be carried out safely.
Related guidance material
- Managing the risks of plant in the workplace – Safe Work Australia
- Guide for managing the risks of machinery in rural workplaces – Safe Work Australia
- How to manage work health and safety risks – Code of Practice (PDF, 556.72 KB)
- The A-Z of farm safety guide – SafeWork NSW (PDF, 5673.78 KB)
- Farm safety self-assessment (PDF, 478.11 KB)