Farm death safety focus
THE “heartbreaking” death of a popular Mossman sugarcane worker has again shone the spotlight on farm safety.
Sugarcane growers have sent their condolences and are “deeply saddened” after David Oui died working in Mowbray Valley on Saturday.
Investigators were still working to figure out what happened yesterday.
Canegrowers chief executive Dan Galligan said farming operations were inherently risky.
“And this time when the harvest of year, is in full swing, is a particularly risky time for farm workers in the cane industry,” he said.
“I urge everyone in our industry to take every precaution while at work and remember that the most important job of every farm worker is ensuring they return home safely to their loved ones at the end of the day.”
The 25-year-old father of two was working when he was involved in an accident involving two pieces of farm machinery, including a harvester.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Safe Work Australia statistics listed agriculture as the most dangerous workplace, with 44 workers killed on the job last year.
Primary Industries Health and Safety Partnership chairman Patrick Murphy said the figure needed to be addressed.
“This is an issue that every level of the farming community – from managers on the land to policy makers – need to start better exploring collaboratively to improve behaviour change,” he said.
A gofundme account has been set up: help-for-davidand-chloes — family.
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