FARMS and vineyards in the region are being advised to review their safety systems and machine guarding as the busy grape harvesting season throughout regional Victoria intensifies.
WorkSafe Victoria executive director of Health and Safety, Len Neist, said businesses should take the time to talk through safety measures with employees and discuss how they should be implemented in day-to-day operations.
“Whether you’re a wine grape, table grape or dried fruit grower, a labour hire employer or a maintenance employer, you have workplace safety obligations that must be taken seriously, and it’s important that safety remains uppermost in everyone’s mind,” Mr Neist said.
“Recent industry growth has led to increased automation and use of harvesting machines, but if not properly guarded, these machines are dangerous.”
Last year, about 340,000 tonnes of grapes were harvested in Victoria, and much of the work involved automated grape harvesters.
“They’re highly efficient and effective machines, but one false move can mean the loss of a hand or an arm,” Mr Neist said.
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