Coronial
VIChome

Finding into death of JM

Deceased

JM

Demographics

42y, male

Date of death

2019-01-19

Finding date

2021-06-29

Cause of death

Mechanical asphyxia in setting of external compression of chest by ride on mower

AI-generated summary

JM, a 42-year-old experienced machine operator, died from mechanical asphyxia after his ride-on lawnmower rolled over a retaining wall on a slope exceeding recommended angles. Critical clinical lessons: the seatbelt with rollover protection system (ROPS) was equipped but not worn—wearing it would likely have prevented entrapment and potentially saved his life. The gearbox was in neutral while travelling downhill, contributing to instability. Investigation identified multiple preventable factors: operating on a slope steeper than the manufacturer's recommended 15-degree maximum, descending with neutral gearing, and failure to use available safety equipment. This case highlights the critical importance of equipment safety features and operator adherence to safety protocols, particularly when operating heavy machinery on sloped terrain.

AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.

Contributing factors

  • Failure to wear seatbelt despite equipped rollover protection system
  • Operating on slope exceeding 15 degrees (calculated at 20 degrees)
  • Travelling downhill with gearbox in neutral position
  • Possible pre-incident deflation of rear right-hand tyre causing vehicle instability

Coroner's recommendations

  1. Product Safety Australia issue an updated product safety alert for ride-on lawnmowers reiterating advice to wear seatbelt if rollover protection system equipped, not to mow on steep angles, and not to travel downhill with gearbox in neutral
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