Man dies after fall from tractor trailer during second shift at Cutri Fruit farm in Woorinen

A 70-year-old worker sustained fatal injuries after falling from a tractor trailer during his second shift at a Woorinen fruit farm, highlighting serious safety concerns.

North South Rd in Woorinen near Cutri Fruit Pty Ltd where Mr Bunyad tragically died. Picture: Google Maps

A company running a fruit farm in the state’s north has copped a $750,000 fine after a 70-year-old man died after falling from a tractor in only his second shift in the job.

Cutri Fruit appeared in the Mildura County Court and pleaded guilty to failing to prevent safety risks to non-employees, leading to the death of Jafar Ali Bunyad in January 2022.

Mr Bunyad, a labour hire employee at the farm, was standing on a trailer being towed by a tractor when the accident occurred.

The tractor turned into North South Rd — between two Cutri Fruit work sites — causing Mr Bunyad, his co-worker, and several fruit bins to fall from the modified trailers.

While Mr Bunyad’s co-worker escaped injury, Mr Bunyad sustained a fractured skull and serious injuries. He died later that night at the Royal Melbourne Hospital after being flown from the scene.

Jafar Ali Bunyad died at Cutri Fruit in January 2022. Picture: Generic

The court heard that Cutri Fruit had designed and manufactured the trailers to carry double-stacked fruit bins. However, the company admitted it failed to minimise the risk of serious injury by not installing permanent platforms on the trailers or providing adequate safety instructions for workers travelling between locations.

In response, the company stated it had modified the trailers to improve safety and was developing an induction program for workers.

“It’s frustrating and heartbreaking that a man has lost his life in a workplace incident that could easily have been avoided if safe work practices had been implemented and properly communicated,” said WorkSafe Executive Director Health and Safety, Sam Jenkin.

Cutri Fruit was fined $750,000 for its safety failings, while labour hire company AH Vision is also facing charges related to the incident.