WorkSafe is investigating the work-related death of an 89-year-old farmer at Berkshire Valley – 200km north of Perth – late on Tuesday.

The farmer was reported to have been unloading hay from a tractor when the vehicle slipped into gear and rolled, striking him.

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

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

“This is the ninth death in agriculture workplaces in the past year, and that figure is not acceptable,” Mr Kavanagh said.

“I’m particularly concerned about farmers in the over-60 age group, as six of the nine agriculture workers who have lost their lives over the past year have been in this age group.

“Agriculture is frequently represented in the top three industries for workplace deaths, and there’s an increasing need to give greater priority to safety and health.

“I have called upon agriculture industry leaders to increase efforts to change these tragic circumstances in this industry.”

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

caroline.devaney@dmirs.wa.gov.au

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