WorkSafe is investigating the work-related death yesterday of a 72-year-old farmer at Maya in WA’s Mid-West, around 240km NNE of Perth.

The man was reported to have been jump-starting an old tractor in order to use it to release a bogged truck when the tractor struck him. It then continued travelling into a paddock where it hit trees and started a fire.

WorkSafe investigators examine the circumstances of incidents with a view to ensuring compliance and preventing future incidents of a similar nature.

There have been five reported deaths in the Agriculture Forestry and Fishing sector in WA this year.

WorkSafe WA Commissioner Darren Kavanagh said any work-related death was a tragedy, and relayed his sincere condolences to the man’s family.

Media contact: Caroline De Vaney 6251 2363 or 0408 927563 (media enquiries only).

caroline.devaney@demirs.wa.gov.au

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