A father-of-three who died in a workplace tragedy this week is being remembered as “a great man” by his deeply shocked family and friends.
Lachlan Francis died in an incident involving farm machinery at a sugar cane farm owned by Bundaberg Sugar, near Childers, Queensland, about 8.10pm on Tuesday.
His death, which is being investigated by Workplace Safety and Health Queensland (WHSQ), has traumatized his loved ones and the local community.
“My beautiful brother was a great man, there was never a time when he didn’t make us all laugh,” said his sister Britt Francis.
‘He was the most beautiful father to his three children. The best son and brother we could have asked for.
Lachlan Francis (right) died in an incident involving farm machinery at a sugar cane farm owned by Bundaberg Sugar, near Childers, Queensland, about 8.10pm on Tuesday. Mr Francis appears in the photo with his brother Jack Francis and his friend Clay Rees.
Mr Francis was especially close to his brother Jack, with his sister saying they “were joined at the hip”.
Clay Rees said Mr Francis was a great friend and very close.
“If I was stuck in a situation, he would be the first one I would call,” he said.
‘He would do anything for me like I would do anything for him. Rest easy, friend. Until we meet again.’
Another of Mr Francis’s brothers, Drew, said: “Lachlan was a family man, brother, father and hard-working partner.”
‘He was my best friend, closer than a friend. He left her mark on this world and none of us will ever forget her.
Bundaberg Sugar expressed its sadness at the tragedy.
“This employee was a valued member of the Bundaberg Sugar team and our sincere thoughts and condolences are with the family, friends and community,” a spokesperson told the Mail.
‘Our focus is on the employee’s family and ensuring they are well supported at this incredibly difficult time.
‘We will also ensure that this support is extended to our employees who were directly involved in the incident.
“We are taking steps to understand what has happened and are working closely with the relevant authorities.”
Queensland Police are preparing a report for the coroner.
Clay Rees, Jack Francis, Mitch Zunker and Code Mciver are pictured having a drink in memory of Lachlan Francis.
Since 2001, 1,705 people have lost their lives on Australian farms due to unintentional injuries, according to a FarmSafe Australia report.
More than 60 percent of deaths were caused by farm vehicles or mobile farm machinery.
Tractors were involved in 20 percent of the deaths and quad bikes were responsible for 14 percent.
More than 90 percent of those who died were men and more than 73 percent were over 45 years old.