Incident

A farm worker was trapped in a cowshed backing gate for approximately one hour while carrying out routine maintenance.

Circumstances

Backing gates are used in cowshed yards.  The gates close off the full width of the yard allowing for fast and easy stock movement or separation giving the farmer ultimate control of his stock in the yard.  These gates move up and down the yard as well as opening and closing from the control panels. 

The farm worker was greasing the hinge pins (B) at the top of the gate.  He activated the gate via the control panel (A) located beside the gate. As the gate lifted upwards he climbed onto the gate in an attempt to reach the hinge pins.  He was trapped between the gate and frame (C) as he was unable to reach the control panel from his position.  A tanker driver found him approximately one hour later and released the gate.  The farm worker received extensive bruising injuries to his torso.

Investigation

The Department of Labour conducted an investigation following this incident.  The investigation revealed that the gate was not isolated from the power source prior to the farm worker greasing the hinge pins.  The backing gate in question was supplied and installed by Jennings Engineering, Manaia, Taranaki.  Historically, Jennings Engineering has not provided recommendations for safe maintenance of their gates. As a result of this incident, the company will now be providing safe maintenance information.  They have also committed to retroactively advise existing clients on safe maintenance.

Department of Labour Advice

It is the Department’s advice that all farm machinery be isolated from its power source prior to any maintenance being carried as per AS 4024.1 -1992 Safeguarding of Machinery.

Which industries/sectors or matters will this information be relevant to?

Agriculture, Dairy

 

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.