WorkSafe investigating worker death at Kapunda

SafeWork SA is investigating the circumstances behind the death of a worker on Sunday at Kapunda, north of Adelaide. The incident happened at about 5.45 pm at a stockfeed manufacturing business, where work was underway to process hay. Initial enquiries indicate that the 58-year-old man was struck by a shuttle, which is part of a large complex piece of plant used to rapidly move hay bales across the work area.

The man received serious crush injuries and was taken to Kapunda Hospital, where he later died. In the wake of this incident, SafeWork SA is urging workers in farm-related industries to take extreme care around machinery and vehicles as activity continues during the current harvest and into next year’s grape vintage.

“While the most recent farm-related workplace deaths in South Australia have involved vehicles, we also urge the utmost caution be used when working around other plant such as hay balers and, in this case, hay shuttles,” said Acting Executive Director, Bryan Russell.

For answers and advice on workplace health and safety and the relevant laws, call SafeWork SA’s telephone Help Centre on 1 300 365 255. To report serious incidents and injuries in the workplace, call 1 800 777 209.