Authorities say older farmers must pay particular attention to their safety during harvest.

Farm workers over the age of 55 are considerably more likely to be killed or injured on farms, which are themselves some of the most dangerous worksites in Australia.

Accidents involving quadbikes and tractors are the most common.

Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety director Tony Lower says there are some simple measures to keep older farmers safe.

“The mix of people, machinery, extended working hours and fatigue makes for a potent cocktail, increasing the risk of injury and downtime during harvest,” he said.

“Talking with all workers and family members about fatigue and how you will manage it during harvest during an induction is vital.”

He said access platforms should be added to all tractors, and recommended using hydraulic devices or wheels to make heavy lifting easier.

Dr Lower said farmers should outline clear safety strategies before work gets underway to manage key risks, especially those that are increased by fatigue.

These policies should include ensuring all harvester-machinery engines are stopped and keys removed from the ignition during maintenance.

He called for ram locks and chocks to be installed before any work under raised hydraulics, header fronts and combs, and that all guards should be replaced after servicing or repairs.

The experts say fire risk can be reducing by ensuring water trailers are kept full, headers are routinely cleaned to keep trash and straw away from pulleys, belts and bearings and that fire extinguishers should be installed on headers, tractors and fuel trailers.

Finally, Dr Lower says safety guards on machinery and equipment — harvesters, tractors, chaser bins, silos, field bins and augers — must be in place before the harvest.

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