Maze maintenance worker death ‘entirely avoidable’, coroner finds

The death of a maze maintenance worker in 2023 was “entirely avoidable”, a Tasmanian coroner has ruled.

Tasmania trip: Tasmazia, Promised Land (near Sheffield, Dec 30, 2010): one of the incredible mazes, bordered by the Village Of Lower Crackpot.

The tragic death of 77-year-old Bastiaan “Basil” Kleijnendorst at a popular Tasmazia tourist attraction in May 2023 was “entirely avoidable,” a Coroner has found.

Mr Kleijnendorst died from multiple chest injuries after being crushed by a Mini Loader he was operating during his work at Tasmazia.

Coroner Simon Cooper said the death was “entirely avoidable“ if Mr Kleijnendorst had been wearing a seatbelt and operating the machine according to its instruction.

The world of Tasmazia is a crazy complex located in the wonderfully named town of Promised Land in the heart of Tasmania's beautiful Cradle Mountain and Lakes District. Picture: Discover Tasmania/Rob Burnett Sam Edmund, Sunday Escape, Northwest Tasmania

“I am quite satisfied that had he been wearing a seatbelt then he would not have been ejected from the protection of the rollover protection system and crushed by it,” Mr Cooper said.

On May 30 2023 colleagues found Mr Kleijnendorst pinned on his back under the protective structure of the mini loader, which they attempted to move but were unable to.

“It was apparent to both men that Mr Kleijnendorst was deceased,” Mr Cooper said.

Police, SES personnel and a paramedic attended the scene, as well as forensic officers and worksafe investigators.

Mr Kleijnendorst was employed on a part-time or casual basis to lead the maintenance team at Tasmazia in Promised Land on the North West.

Mr Cooper said there was no evidence Mr Kleijndorst “had any experience or training in the

operation of any plant at all before working at Tasmazia” or “received an induction or any training at all in his employment at Tasmazia”.

Tasmania trip: Tasmazia, Promised Land (near Sheffield, Dec 30, 2010): one of the incredible mazes, bordered by the Village Of Lower Crackpot.

Mr Kleijndorst used the mini loader regularly and hours before the incident a new attachment was delivered for the machine.

Mr Kleijndorst proceeded to use the machine with its new bucket immediately,

“I am satisfied on the evidence that Mr Kleijnendorst was instructed not to operate the

Mini Loader under any circumstances with the mast elevated.

“I am satisfied that, unfortunately, for whatever reason, he did operate the Mini Loader

with the mast elevated which caused it to over balance,” Mr Cooper said.

In his findings, Mr Cooper said it was essential that all plant and equipment “be operated in accordance with manufacturers specifications and recommendations”.

“I also comment that when operating any plant and equipment fitted with a seatbelt the seatbelt must be worn.”

Originally published as Maze maintenance worker death ‘entirely avoidable’, coroner finds