Victorian farm charged after worker death
A farming company will face court this month after a worker died in a fatal skid steer loader crush two years ago.
A northern Victorian farm will face court after a worker was killed while working with machinery at a Nathalia property in June 2023.
WorkSafe Victoria have charged Ascot Park Farm Holding Company Pty Ltd with two charges under section 21(1) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act of failing to provide or maintain a safe working environment.
WorkSafe has alleged the farm company breached section 21(2)(a) of the OHS Act by failing to provide or maintain safe plant after it failed to have a skid steer loader inspected and its safety bar interlock system repaired by a qualified person before it was operated.
It is also alleged the company breached regulation 98(2) of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations by failing to reduce the risk of serious injury or death by using engineering controls, such as a properly functioning safety bar interlock system.
Two years ago a 38-year-old worker was performing maintenance works on a skid steer loader when he became trapped between its bucket attachment and cabin, causing fatal crush injuries.
The matter has been listed for a filing hearing at Shepparton Magistrates’ Court on July 14.
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