Duty of Care

On Sunday, September 27, 2026, a 34-year-old farm equipment operator died in Richland, Michigan, when his head was caught between the tailgate and bed of a silage truck while he was doing preventive maintenance on it, according to the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA), as reported by WWMT News Channel 3.

MIOSHA did not initially release other details and said its investigation is ongoing. WWMT reported that this was the 38th workplace fatality recorded to MIOSHA in 2026. The worker’s name and employer were not given in that report.

For farm crews, harvest maintenance often happens in the field and under time pressure. Shut the machine down, take the key, block raised beds and tailgates mechanically, and keep your head and body out of any space where parts can close.

• WWMT News Channel 3