Harmony Operations Fined $140,000 After Fatal Electrocution Incident at Gerang Gerung Feedlot

Incident Overview

On Thursday, 12 November 2020, 29-year-old employee Adrian Wilde was fatally electrocuted at Harmony Operations’ Wagyu beef feedlot near Gerang Gerung in western Victoria. Wilde was operating a telehandler to move hay bales when the boom contacted overhead powerlines, resulting in his death despite warnings from co-workers.

Harmony Operations Pty Ltd was subsequently charged with failing to provide and maintain a safe working environment and failing to provide necessary information and instruction for safe work practices. The company pleaded guilty to both charges under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and was convicted and fined $140,000 in 2023.

• Fatalities:
  • On Thursday, 12 November 2020, 29-year-old employee Adrian Wilde was fatally electrocuted at Harmony Operations’ Wagyu beef feedlot near Gerang Gerung in western Victoria
• Injuries:
  • None reported.

• On Thursday, 12 November 2020, 29-year-old employee Adrian Wilde was fatally electrocuted at Harmony Operations’ Wagyu beef feedlot near Gerang Gerung in western Victoria

WorkSafe Victoria investigated the incident and laid charges against Harmony Operations Pty Ltd under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004. The investigation found that the company had failed to implement adequate safety measures and protocols around overhead powerlines at the feedlot.

WorkSafe Victoria investigated this incident in 2020 and has since closed its investigation following the company’s conviction. Any workers or persons with additional information about safety practices at the Gerang Gerung feedlot or similar incidents at other agricultural operations are encouraged to contact WorkSafe Victoria on 1800 136 089.