THE death of a shearer in a Western Australian wool shed is being investigated by WorkSafeWA.

WorkSafeWA said it is investigating the work-related death of a shearer at Katrine, between Northam and Toodyay.

The man, aged in his 60s, was reported to have been placing wool into a wool press last week when he was caught in the machinery.

WorkSafeWA said its investigators examine the circumstances of incidents in workplaces with a view to ensuring compliance and preventing future incidents of a similar nature.

WorkSafeWA Commissioner Darren Kavanagh said any work-related death was a tragedy, and he relayed his sincere condolences to the man’s family.

“The (WA) agriculture industry has unfortunately experienced six deaths over the past ten months, and this needs to improve.

“Agriculture frequently appears as one of the top three industries for workplace deaths, and there’s an increasing need to give greater priority to safety and health,” Mr Kavanagh said.