06/10/2022

SafeWork SA reminds all farm owners to develop, implement and maintain safe systems of work for using grain transfer augers.

SafeWork SA Inspectors have recently responded to a serious incident where a farm worker had their hand entangled in an unguarded grain transfer auger resulting in the amputation of several fingers on their dominant hand.

These grain augers are used frequently on farms to transfer product from ground level to field bins and other storage containment.

Augers pose a serious risk to the safety of workers, and other persons, if left unguarded and not used in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations.

As the grain season for farming approaches, SafeWork SA reminds the agriculture industry to be aware of the dangers relating to grain transfer augers and hazards associated with other plant and equipment on farms.

Safety solutions

To reduce the risks of incidents and injuries occurring:

  • Ensure that all guards are in place before augers are operated, especially after maintenance.
  • Ensure auger drive train components are guarded (belts, pulleys, drive shafts and rotating screw fittings)
  • Locate mobile augers on firm, preferably flat ground, and operate at a shallow angle (less than 45 degrees) to prevent overbalancing.
  • Lower mobile augers when they are being transported.
  • Never start augers before checking the area is clear of people.
  • Avoid single operators when loading or unloading grain trucks.

SafeWork SA reminds business owners and workers to ensure that grain transfer augers are adequately guarded in accordance with the manufacturer’s requirements and that guards are regularly checked to ensure they are fit for purpose, secure and maintained.

Owners of grain transfer augers need to ensure that workers are suitably trained in the safe operation of this type of plant and that a safe system of work has been implemented to minimise the risk of injury.