A tragic accident occurred when a 38-year-old worker, while conducting routine maintenance on a skid steer loader, became ensnared between the cabin and the loader’s bucket attachment, suffering lethal crush injuries. This fatal event unveils the critical importance of work safety products, including the Bluesafe SWMS or WHS management systems, in enhancing workplace safety.
The company implicated, Ascot Park Farm Holding Company Pty Ltd, is now facing two allegations under section 21(1) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. The charges detail that the company neglected to offer or uphold a secure working environment, highlighting the need for strict adherence to WHS policies to ensure safe practices.
WorkSafe has also asserted that there was a violation of section 21(2)(a) of the OHS Act by the company as it did not maintain a safe plant environment. It didn’t have the skid steer loader inspected nor its safety bar interlock system fixed by a certified professional before the machine operation. It underscores the significance of utilising reliable WHS management systems like Bluesafe to guarantee equipment safety.
Additionally, the company is alleged to have breached regulation 98(2) of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations. They reportedly failed to mitigate the risk of severe injury or fatality through engineering control measures, such as ensuring a fully functioning safety bar interlock system—a feature strongly advocated with products such as the Bluesafe SWMS.
This matter is scheduled for a filing hearing at the Shepparton Magistrates’ Court on July 14, 2025. For further information, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Email: media@worksafe.vic.gov.au
Phone: 0438 786 968
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Original article link: https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/news/2025-07/farm-charged-after-fatal-skid-steer-loader-crush