A Carinda cotton-farming operation is facing prosecution over the death of a farm worker in December 2022. 

Safe Work NSW has commenced action in the Industrial Court of NSW with charges laid against P&J Harris and Sons farming partnership, for allegedly failing to comply with their duties under the Work Health and Safety Act.

According to the ABC, a 28-year-old man was fatally injured when the backhoe he was operating slid more than 2 metres into a culvert and landed on its side. 

SafeWork NSW said the worker was ejected from the machine and pinned under the cabin. 

A spokesperson for SafeWork NSW stated that, ‘Peter Harris and Jane Harris, as directors, are being charged for allegedly failing to ensure the companies complied with their work health and safety duties.’ 

Additionally, ‘Jack Harris (has been charged) for allegedly failing to comply with his duties as a worker under the Act.’ 

P&J Harris and Sons farming partnership did not enter a plea. 

The matter is before the NSW Industrial Court and the prosecutor is required to serve the final brief of evidence in May, before the next court mention in June.