Farm safety plea

By Paul Dunlop
THE family of a man killed in a tractor accident at Garfield has pleaded for farmers not to underestimate the dangers of their job.
Peter Bloxidge died last week after hydraulic equipment he was repairing fell on him.
Police said the 41yearold had been slashing grass on a property in Martin Road when wire became tangled in the slasher.
Mr Bloxidge was trying to fix the problem when the raised equipment fell on him, pinning him down.
The incident occurred sometime after 1pm on Tuesday, 18 October.
Mr Bloxidge was found by a family member a number of hours after the incident. He died at the scene.
WorkSafe officers attended the property and police are preparing a report for the coroner.
Mr Bloxidge’s sister Erica said the tragedy served as a reminder to all farmers to take extra care on the land.
“People have to be aware that accidents can happen,” she said.
“A lot of people on farms possibly don’t realise how dangerous their work can be.”
Family and friends farewelled Mr Bloxidge at a service at the David W. Bull funeral home in Pakenham on Monday.
Mr Bloxidge was described as a man who was very good with animals, particularly horses and dogs, and was passionate about working with the elderly and disabled people.
Mr Bloxidge had two children, Hannah and Hunter.
Erica said his family would all miss him very dearly.
“We loved him very much,” she said.