Hazard Alert - Projectile Thrown from Tractor Mower
Incident
In 2001 on a popular public reserve, a member of the public was seriously injured when an unidentified foreign object was thrown from a tractor-driven mower attachment. The object hit the victim's left leg resulting in a compound bone fracture.
Circumstances
The mower attachment was slightly raised, and the foreign object was thrown from the blades at a considerable speed. This would usually be prevented by the rubber guard, but the raised attachment meant this guarding was ineffective.
Investigation
The tractor driver did not see the victim walking behind him, because he was looking to see where he was going.
The tractor driver had raised the mower attachment slightly, in order to turn 90 to avoid gouging the turf. In doing so, the foreign object was thrown from the rotating mower blades at considerable speed.
The mower attachment had rubber curtain guarding, which extended two thirds toward ground level.
The tractor driver, before and during the mowing operation, had done a visual check of the reserve, looking for debris and foreign objects.
It was not considered practical to 'isolate' the reserve, because of its sheer size.
Guidance
The Department of Labour carried out an investigation, and made the following recommendations:
- Improved guarding of the mower attachment.
- Mowing the reserve in "off-peak times", where members of the public are least likely to be in the vicinity.
- Continue current practice, where all tractor drivers carry out visual checks before and during mowing operation.
- Continue current practice, where all tractor drivers STOP, and PROCEED only when it is safe to do so.
- At all times where practicable, the tractor driver is to ensure the mower attachment is at its lowest position (whilst blades are engaged).
Refer to Standard ISO 5395.
Which industries/sectors or matters will this information be relevant to?
Wine and fruit growers and contractors.
Note:This material has been prepared using the best information available to the Department of Labour at the time of publication. Information may change over time and it may be necessary for you to obtain an update. This material is also only intended to provide general advice and does not constitute legal advice. You should make your own judgement about action you may need to take to ensure you have complied with your workplace health and safety obligations under the law.
