WORKSAFE has warned that harvesting can be the most dangerous time of year for farmers following an accident at a Macarthur farm where a man’s hand was seriously injured in a silage machine.
WorkSafe is investigating the incident which happened about 1pm on Wednesday.
The 55-year-old man was taken by private vehicle to Macarthur medical clinic and then flown to Royal Melbourne Hospital by an ambulance helicopter.
An Ambulance Victoria spokesman said the man sustained severe injuries to his right hand.
WorkSafe regional director Adam Rogers said harvest time was arguably the most dangerous time of year on farms. “Safety is about dealing with the potential risks whether you’ve done the job once or a thousand times,” he said.
“It’s about knowing what can go wrong — such as machinery blockages — and knowing what to do about it, safely.”
“Just taking the time to think through the problem could make a life or death difference.
“Many incidents, including so-called ‘near-misses’ might also have killed or permanently injured in slightly different circumstances.
“With harvest season upon us the dangers often involved in farming will be magnified, particularly if the weather turns and people rush to get crops in.”
Mr Rogers said a number of fatalities and serious injuries occurred on Victorian farms last year, and WorkSafe urged all farmers to ensure that they take the time to assess potential risks.
WorkSafe is also investigating an accident at an asphalt mixing plant on Koroit Street on Thursday.
A man in his 40s suffered burns to his face and arms after an explosion in the mixing chamber of tar and diesel overheated and ignited. CFA officer-in-charge Henry Barton said the man suffered burns to 20 per cent of his body.
cquirk@standard.fairfax.com.au