WorkSafe NT begin enquiries after worker has fingertips amputated by mower with safety device bypassed

The mower allegedly had a key safety feature deliberately disabled, which contributed to the incident.

(Left) Circled in red is the wire used to tie down the blade control bar and bypass the auto-stop safety feature. (Right) the ride-on mowers operating with the guards removed. Picture: NT WorkSafe / Supplied

A Top End worker has had several of his fingertips amputated after an incident operating a self-propelled lawn mower, sparking an enquiry by NT WorkSafe.

The incident allegedly occurred when the worker’s fingers went under the mower deck as they steadied the mower to adjust its cutting height.

NT WorkSafe said preliminary findings indicated the blade control bar, which auto-stops the engine and blades when released was tied down to the mower handle with a wire, bypassing the safety device.

Two fingertips had to be amputated after the incident due to the injuries they sustained.

During the enquiry, WorkSafe inspectors observed two ride-on mowers operated by a different company with their roll-over protection structures folded down and no pulley guards in place.

NT WorkSafe has urged similar workplaces to ensure they have safety measures in place, including undertaking Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Control (HIRAC) and following the Northern Territory’s work health and safety consultation, cooperation and coordination code of practice.

This latest incident comes just weeks after WorkSafe NT launched an enquiry after a worker was run over by a truck at Berrimah.

The worker was performing maintenance underneath the truck when he accidentally disengaged the handbrake, and was dragged eight metres over concrete.

Originally published as WorkSafe NT begin enquiries after worker has fingertips amputated by mower with safety device bypassed