A tragic incident occurred on a farm in Plympton, Devon, resulting in the death of a 17-year-old farm worker named Luke Searle. Luke was operating a tractor and baling machine used for wrapping cut grass for animal feed when the equipment malfunctioned. His older brother was working nearby at the time. An investigation revealed that Luke was crushed by the machine after attempting to fix a fault with the bale wrapper.
The jury determined that on the evening of June 22, 2022, Luke sustained serious injuries while working on Sherwell farm in Plympton, Devon. The malfunction of the wrapping machine led to the tragic accident as Luke tried to address the issue. The absence of a “Safe Stop” procedure allowed the dispenser arms to restart unexpectedly, trapping Luke and causing fatal chest and abdominal injuries despite immediate medical attention.
Due to Luke’s young age, the circumstances surrounding his death prompted a joint investigation by the police and the Health and Safety Executive. The inquest revealed that farm owner James Williams discovered Luke trapped in the baler, unconscious and in need of assistance. Despite efforts by James, Luke’s brother William, and emergency services, Luke could not be saved.
Luke, a student at Duchy College in Cornwall, was pursuing a land-based engineering course with practical training on the farm. The Health and Safety Executive inspector highlighted issues with the bale wrapper’s malfunction and the lack of proper safety procedures followed by Luke during the investigation.
The inquest emphasized the importance of implementing safety protocols, such as the ‘Safe Stop’ mode, before attempting any repairs on machinery. Devon Area Coroner Nicholas Lane described the close bond between the Searle brothers, who shared a passion for farming and had promising futures in the field. Luke was remembered as a sociable and well-liked individual who was dedicated to his work.
The tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of workplace safety and proper equipment handling to prevent such accidents in the future.
