AGRIBUSINESS

Inquiry called for ag industry in WA

Agricultural worker deaths to be examined by inquiry in WA.

Staff writer
 A farm worker death in WA this week has led to a WorkSafe inquiry. Picture Mark Saunders.

A farm worker death in WA this week has led to a WorkSafe inquiry. Picture Mark Saunders.

A 24-year-old male died between Varley Creek and Lake King in the Great Southern in WA earlier this week. He was moving a bogged vehicle with a tractor when the towing equipment he was using failed and he was struck in the head, causing fatal injuries.

"The statistics for the agricultural industry are not acceptable, and it is deeply concerning that the number of fatalities in the industry continues to increase," Kavanagh said.

"As the regulator, I have advised the Minister of my intention to use my powers under the Work Health and Safety Act 2020 to conduct an inquiry into the industry, beginning with examining the tragic deaths of agricultural workers and family members over the past five years.

"The culture in the agriculture industry seems to allow fatal incidents to occur at significantly higher rates than any other industry, with farm production appearing to be put before the safety of families and workers.

"The inquiry will aim to establish how to make changes in safety in the industry, and a report will be generated with recommendations on investigations and enforcement for consideration by the State Government.

"Any work-related death is a tragedy, and I offer my sincere condolences to the family of the worker involved in yesterday's incident."

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team.

editions

Research Report: Field Days Wrap (November 2024)

Kondinin Group's research team has the low down on the latest gear that was on show at various field days held around the country in the past few months.

editions

Research Report: Trailing Sheep Feeders (October 2024)

Trailing sheep feeders are on the menu for Kondinin Group's October Research Report with nine popular models covered.

editions

Research Report: Livestock Management Software (September 2024)

Kondinin Group's September Research Report looks at a range of livestock management software platforms which can make life a lot easier when it comes to efficient sheep and cattle production.

editions

Research Report: Grain Storage (August 2024)

This month's Research Report from Kondinin Group looks at the benefits and challenges associated with ground level storage with a focus on growers who have done it successfully.