SafeWork SA recently issued a safety alert warning businesses and workers about the dangers of operating augers following the death of a worker at a property south of Adelaide.

SafeWork SA inspectors attended the site after being notified that a worker had become entangled in a post-hole auger while installing posts.

The incident happened when the worker, who was operating alone, dismounted from the tractor attached to the power take-off (PTO) gearbox-driven auger.

SafeWork SA reminds workers not to leave a tractor when operating this type of equipment as it cannot be controlled outside of the vehicle.

There are a number of dangers in operating a post-hole auger with PTO system. Unlike hydraulic systems, the alert said PTO driven equipment is operated from the tractor and does not have safety switches or controls attached that a worker outside the tractor can reach.

Undertaking this work alone and in remote areas also makes workers especially vulnerable.

The alert suggested a number of safety solutions:

• avoid working alone – always have another person present who can assist in case of an emergency
• always start the tractor from the driver’s seat, not from the ground
• never dismount from a moving tractor or adjust or work on implements while they are in motion
• only use/attach a PTO-driven implement with a guarded power take-off shaft
• workers should be trained in safely operating tractors and attachments
• maintain equipment correctly to reduce the need to interrupt work due to faults
• never tamper with safety mechanisms.

“If a person does dismount from a tractor, they should ensure attached equipment is switched off or consider retrofitting an emergency stop that can be accessed from outside the tractor,” the alert said.