The 51-year-old man was believed to be grading a private driveway when the tractor rolled, crushing him against a tree.

Victoria Police are investigating the incident, which happened in Shuter Avenue, Greendale.

Because the accident happened on the roadway verge outside the property, it will be added to the state’s road toll.

The toll now stands at 270 for the year, two fewer than last year.

Ambulance Victoria said the man was already dead when paramedics arrived at the scene.

WorkSafe attended the scene and police will prepare a report for the coroner.

The WorkSafe Victoria website lists farms as “inherently dangerous workplaces”.

According to WorkSafe, farmers and farm workers are more likely to be seriously injured or die at work than other Victorians. 

“The farming industry employs about three per cent of the Victorian workforce, however it accounts for approximately one-third of workplace deaths across the state,” the website states.

“It’s been a shocking year for safety on Victorian farms with many families left mourning the loss of a loved one this Christmas.

“This must be a wake-up call for everybody working on the land.”

WorkSafe says the risks faced by farmers and farm workers are many and varied. 

The organisation says tractors and their attachments cause most of the deaths and severe injuries.

However, unguarded augers, farm machinery, quad bikes and unpredictable animal behaviour have also caused severe injuries, it reports.

Other dangers faced by farmers and farm workers include falls, slips and trips, lacerations, contact with electricity, depression, fatigue, sun exposure, noise, working in confined spaces and illnesses associated with chemical use.