Farmer Dies After Being Run Over by Tractor
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What happened
A 64-year-old man has died on a farm at Beech Forest after being struck by a tractor. It’s believed he was using the tractor with an attachment to bale hay when he was found on a track in a gully with severe leg and pelvis injuries at around 11:30 pm on Saturday. WorkSafe Victoria investigators have been on site and are working out whether further action is needed.
Why this matters
Farming work can be really unforgiving when heavy machinery is involved. Tractors and their attachments are powerful and risky if something goes wrong, especially in uneven terrain like gullies or tracks. Even experienced operators can get into life-threatening situations fast if a run-over or crush incident occurs.
What happened next
WorkSafe Victoria responded to the scene and began an investigation into the circumstances of the crash. So far investigators are looking at what went wrong and if workplace safety duties were met. This fatality is the second confirmed workplace death in Victoria for 2026, tied with the same period last year.
Safety takeaways (for farmers and workers)
- Always assess ground conditions and slopes before using tractors with attachments.
- Make sure operators are trained and aware of hazards when baling hay or using heavy gear.
- Have a plan for checking blind spots, rough terrain or hidden hazards.
- Consider buddy systems or communication when working alone in remote paddocks.
- Regularly inspect tractors and attachments to ensure they are safe to use.
TL;DR
- A 64-year-old farmer died after being run over by a tractor while baling hay at Beech Forest (27 Jan 2026).
- He was found with severe injuries in a gully around 11:30 pm and died from his injuries.
- WorkSafe Victoria is investigating, and this is the second workplace fatality in Victoria this year.
Original article: Farmer dies after being run over by tractor (worksafe.vic.gov.au)
Commentary by Ray Boekelaar (Senior certified OHS/WHS Safety Consultant for www.solvesafety.com.au)
Ray Boekelaar is more than just a career “work retired” grandfather, father, and blogger, who loves AWD-SUV semi off road adventure camper traveling the highways and byways throughout the vast states and territories of the Australian continent. When he is not doing some casual OHS Safety or Real Estate Consulting for these respective organisations, as a “key opinion leader” (KOL) you will find him in between times trip planning historical tourist destinations and heading out into the sunset, on his next of many scheduled road touring travel adventures.
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