Farm employee killed in potato harvester accident at workRSS Feed

A worker was killed when he was crushed in a potato harvester in a tragic accident at work.

Keith Wannan, 34, was replacing the rubber sleeves on the rollers of a potato harvester to prepare it for the new season.

Partner of the firm George Orr was helping Mr Wannan, and turned on power to the harvester using the controls of the tractor before leaving the employee to finish the job.

When Mr Orr returned around an hour and a half later he found Mr Wannan trapped between the rollers.

He was taken to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee but pronounced dead on arrival.

Farming partnership GJ Orr were found to have not conducted a proper risk assessment for the task.

HSE inspector Peter Dodd said: "This case should act as a timely reminder to farmers of the very real dangers posed by their machinery when they are preparing it for harvesting, undertaking repairs or maintenance, or attempting to clear blockages."

Accident claims advice from Serious Law

Posted by T B Walters
 

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