Teen Farm Worker Fatally Crushed by Malfunctioning Bale Wrapping Machine
A teenage farm worker was fatally crushed while using a bale wrapping machine that had malfunctioned, an inquest jury has heard. Luke Searle, aged 17, had been operating a tractor and baling machine to wrap cut grass bales for animal feed on Sherwell Farm in Plympton, Devon.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The inquest at Exeter Coroner's Court was told that on the evening of June 22, 2022, Luke was seriously injured while wrapping hay bales. The bale wrapper was not working correctly, prompting Luke to try and see what was wrong before he became caught in the machine.
The jury recorded that contributing factors included the wrapping machine likely malfunctioning, leading Luke to undertake an investigation. Crucially, a Safe Stop procedure was not in place. During his investigation, the dispenser arms restarted unexpectedly, trapping Luke and causing severe chest and abdominal injuries.
Medical treatment was administered on site, but these injuries proved fatal. Luke was pronounced dead at the scene despite efforts to save him.
Discovery and Rescue Attempts
Farm owner James Williams went to check on Luke and found the machinery was not moving in the field. He discovered Luke had become trapped and was unconscious in the baler. Mr Williams, who operates a farm partnership of more than five farms and 2,000 acres, immediately called for help.
Luke's older brother, William, raced to his sibling from a neighbouring field where he had been working. Together, they freed Luke from the machine and began giving the teenager CPR, but he could not be revived.
Background and Safety Failures
The inquest heard that Luke's family and the farm owners, the Williams, had been close friends for many years. Luke was a student at Cornwall-based Duchy College on a two-year agricultural machinery engineering course, with 80 per cent of the course based at a farm. He was described as a very sociable, well-liked young man who loved what he was doing.
Health and Safety Executive inspector Simon Jones told the hearing there had been a problem with the bale wrapper arms not rotating, and Luke had gone to investigate the fault. However, as he did so, the arms started again in an unexpected and unplanned movement, trapping and crushing him.
The teenager had not put the machinery into a Safe Stop mode before investigating the fault. The jury heard that before any repair, the power should have been isolated, the engine switched off, and controls put in neutral to prevent such accidents.
Coroner's Comments and Verdict
Devon Area Coroner Nicholas Lane told the inquest jury that the Searle brothers were very close, had a rural upbringing, and planned careers in farming. The inquest ruled the teenager's death as accidental, with a verdict of accidental death recorded.
This tragic case highlights the critical importance of adhering to safety protocols in agricultural settings, especially when dealing with heavy machinery that can malfunction without warning.
