Olive harvesting contractor fined $157,500 after Bumbaldry farm fatality

Incident Overview

Olive-farm owner Christopher Duncan died after he was crushed by a harvesting machine at Bumbaldry, New South Wales, on 26 May 2023. The NSW Industrial Court judgment later recorded the circumstances and outcome. SafeWork NSW reported the decision on 27 October 2026.

Workplace, Location and Time

Mr Duncan and his wife operated an olive farm at Bumbaldry and had engaged Andrew John Bucknell’s harvesting business to collect their crop. Around 7pm, Mr Bucknell and his employee were adjusting the harvester after a mechanical problem. Mr Duncan stood nearby holding a torch while the machine was checked.

Fatality and Immediate Outcome

The court’s agreed facts say the machine was restarted to test the adjustment. Its clamping jaws inadvertently closed on Mr Duncan. People at the property and ambulance crews tried to revive him, but he died at the scene.

Court Outcome

Mr Bucknell pleaded guilty to a Category 2 work health and safety offence for failing to comply with his duty to other people. The court identified measures that could reasonably have addressed the crush risk, including a risk assessment, a safe work procedure and an exclusion zone during maintenance. On 14 October 2026, it imposed a $157,500 fine and ordered him to pay $29,500 in prosecution costs. SafeWork NSW said he may appeal the sentence.

Why We Report Workplace Accidents

We record confirmed incidents and later court outcomes to keep attention on farm-machinery risks and the safety of everyone near a work task, including people who are not employees. This entry distinguishes the 2023 fatality from the 2026 court decision.