Crush death triggers on-farm traffic alert

In March 2022, Louis van Heerden was crushed to death by a hydraulic tailgate on a trailer at Turley Farms Limited near Temuka.

The 45-year-old had been standing at the back of a dark, narrow shed as a spotter while grass seed was tipped off the trailer.

WorkSafe investigators subsequently found Turley Farms had no specific plan in place for managing farm traffic indoors.

Additionally, they found workers should not have been permitted in such a restricted area.

Turley Farms was sentenced this week for its health and safety failings.

The company was fined $247,500 and ordered to pay $201,477 in reparations.

WorkSafe area investigation manager, Steve Kelly says farmers tempt fate when they only manage traffic outdoors.

“Without a clear plan for how vehicles and people move around indoor barns and sheds, it’s only a matter of time before something goes terribly wrong,” Kelly says.

“This is a good reminder to take a critical look at how tractors and other vehicles move around inside farm buildings,” he says.

Kelly says clear separation of vehicles and pedestrians is key.

“Signage and designated safe areas are also simple and inexpensive ways to boost safety – especially when compared to a conviction and a fine.”

Following the fatality, Turley Farms has introduced reversing cameras, closing alarms, and isolation valves to the back of its trailers.

Vehicles are a leading cause of death and injury on New Zealand farms and agriculture accounts for approximately 25% of serious acute harm in New Zealand despite having making up 6% of employment.