Australian Services Union says workers should refuse tasks if they feel unsafe, after mower death in Zeehan

The death of a council worker, who became trapped under a mower in Zeehan, has prompted a message from a union that workers simply say ‘no’ if they feel unsafe on the job. Latest.

The Frank Long Memorial Park at Zeehan where a West Coast Council worker died while on a ride on lawnmower.

The Australian Services Union (ASU) has urged workers to make sure they are safe following the death of a man at Zeehan.

On Monday, a West Coast Council worker died at the Frank Long Park at Zeehan after he lost control of a ride-on mower and became trapped under it.

The man in his 30s died at the scene and WorkSafe Tasmania is investigating the incident.

ASU Victoria and Tasmania co-ordinator Sam Batchelor said it was devastating to find out the worker died on the job.

“This death marks our greatest fears … No one should ever leave for work and not come home,” Ms Batchelor said.

“Every workplace death is an unimaginable tragedy.”

Ms Batchelor said all workplaces, including councils, needed to ensure conditions were safe for employees.

“The ASU at this difficult time reminds workers everywhere that if you ever believe the work you are doing is dangerous and there is an immediate risk to your health and safety you can refuse to do the work,” she said

“WorkSafe Tasmania need to do a thorough investigation.

“And the ASU is committed to engaging with the regulator and ensuring every worker at West Coast Council is safe, can grieve and gets the support they require.”

Moments before tragic mower death revealed

November 21, 3:30pm

Details have emerged as to how a West Coast Council worker died while on the job.

On November 20, a man in his 30s died at Frank Long Park on Dodds Rd at Zeehan while using a ride-on lawnmower.

Police said emergency services were called to the scene after 5pm after the man was found under the mower.

He died on the scene, and a report will be prepared for the coroner.

The park at Zeehan is still open to the public, with a WorkSafe Tasmania spokesperson saying it was investigating the incident.

“The worker died when the mower lost balance on uneven ground, resulting in the worker becoming trapped under the mower,” the spokesperson said.

Zeehan, West Coast of Tasmania, Zeehan Post Office.

“Our thoughts are with the man’s family, friends and community.”

West Coast Mayor Shane Pitt earlier spoke out after the death of the young employee, expressing his “shock” at the tragedy.

In a statement, Mr Pitt said the “entire community” was in shock at the loss of “one of our employees”.

West Coast Mayor, Shane Pitt. Picture: Linda Higginson

“No one expects their loved ones not to come home from work,” Mr Pitt said.

“We will provide every support necessary to those affected by this tragedy, including the family, friends, and employees and contractors of the council.”

He said as the matter was subject of a WorkSafe Tasmania inquiry, it would “not be appropriate to comment further”.