Transport
On average, the transport industry recorded the highest fatality rate in 2017 and accounted for the second highest number of fatalities over the previous five years. Serious injuries and fatalities can occur when vehicles are being loaded and unloaded, during routine maintenance activities, through unintentional vehicle roll back, being struck by mobile plant or by falling objects that have shifted in transit. Below you will find information about recent serious incidents and safety information to help protect you and your workplace.
Fall from flatbed truck (3 May 2023)
A worker was helping a driver to unload stock from a flatbed truck when he fell approximately three metres from the truck’s tray. The worker was seriously injured when he landed on a pile of aluminium and the concrete ground.
Safety information
Consider ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risks associated with loading and unloading trucks.
Ensure:
- you develop a work plan in consultation with all workers involved in the task. This should detail how to perform the task
- you provide information and training to drivers. This should include a safe system of work and loading and unloading procedures
- a safe system of work is established and workers only move objects from ground level where possible
- if working from ground level is not possible, ensure that a safe system of is developed to access the tray for work to be undertaken
- an exclusion zone is set up around the truck during loading/unloading processes to separate plant and machinery from people
- before loading or unloading materials, identify and eliminate hazards
- a traffic management plan is in place and all workers attending the site are provided with this information
- workers wear appropriate personal protective equipment, for example high-visibility clothing
- ensure workers are trained and competent in using plant and machinery (such as cranes), as well as lifting equipment. This includes holding High Risk Work licences where required
- the vehicle selected to transport loads is suitable for the task
- lifting equipment is used to remove objects from trucks, such as a forklift or crane
- temporary platforms, guard rails or fall arrest systems are used to minimise the risk of falling if workers are required to complete tasks at height
- fasteners and load restraint systems are used
- loads are pre-configured to allow easy access and removal during the unloading process
- plant and machinery are regularly inspected and maintained by a competent person
- the truck is immobilised and cannot move during the loading/unloading process, for example the handbrake and stabilisers are deployed
- workers do not place themselves between the load and the truck or other equipment.
Related guidance material
- Code of Practice – Managing the risk of falls at workplaces (PDF, 2326.56 KB)
- Code of Practice - How to manage work health and safety risks (PDF, 556.72 KB)
- Code of Practice - Managing the risks of plant in the workplace (PDF, 1987.96 KB)
- A guide to work health and safety in the road freight transport industry
- Safety around your vehicle (SAYV) glove box guide
Further information
Catastrophic flammable liquid fire at service station (24 February 2023)
A flammable liquid fire at a service station saw workers and others exposed to a risk of injury when an uncontrolled fuel and/or vapour was ignited. The fire occurred while fuel was being unloaded from a road tanker into underground storage tanks, destroying the service station buildings, forecourt canopy and fuel dispensers, the prime mover and fuel tanker trailer and three cars.
Safety information
Consider ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risks associated with the loading and unloading of petroleum products (class 3 PGII flammable liquids).
Ensure:
- All transfer equipment is inspected and tested in accordance with manufacturer recommendations to minimise the risk of fuel leakage
- Safe systems of work are established for the transfer of bulk fuel at service stations
- All workers involved in the delivery of fuel, including service station attendants and road tanker drivers, are trained in the procedures for safe transfer of bulk fuel
- An exclusion zone is established and enforced during fuel unloading to prevent the introduction of ignition sources into the hazardous zone
- Road tanker drivers are adequately supervised until they are deemed competent to complete the tasks unsupervised
- Emergency procedures are established, and workers are trained in these procedures.
Related guidance material
- Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods
- AS/NZS 60079.10.1 Classification of areas - Explosive gas atmosphere
- AS1940: 2004 Storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids
- AS4979: 2008 Flammable and combustible liquids – Precautions against electrostatic ignition during tank vehicle loading
Further information
Worker fatally injured unloading delivery truck (16 January 2023)
A 57-year-old delivery driver sustained fatal injuries when two rolls of electrical conduit he was delivering fell from the truck as he was unloading it. Two of the conduit rolls, weighing approximately 250-300kg each, landed on top of the worker.
The delivery truck loaded with rolls of electrical conduit at the incident scene.
Safety information
Consider ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risks associated with loading and unloading trucks.
Ensure:
- the vehicle selected to transport loads is suitable for the task
- fasteners and load restraint systems are used as intended to prevent loads from moving or falling
- fasteners and load restraint systems are inspected before use and regularly maintained by a competent person
- hazards in the work environment where the loading/unloading of materials will take place, such as overhead electric wires or unstable ground, are identified and eliminated, or risks to health and safety are controlled
- workers are trained and competent in the use of plant and machinery (e.g., cranes), as well as lifting equipment, and hold High Risk Work licences where required
- plant and machinery are regularly inspected and maintained by a competent person
- the truck is immobilised and cannot move during the loading/unloading process e.g., handbrake and stabilisers are deployed
- an exclusion zone is set up around the truck during loading/unloading processes to separate plant and machinery from people
- an effective communication system is in place between the truck driver and other workers during the loading/unloading process e.g., hand signals or two-way radios
- workers do not place themselves between the load and the truck or other equipment
- a work plan is developed in consultation with all workers involved in the task that details how the task is to be performed
- information and training are provided to drivers on a safe system of work and loading/unloading procedures are adhered to
- a traffic management plan is in place and all workers attending the site are provided with this information
- workers wear appropriate personal protective equipment e.g., high-visibility clothing.
Related guidance material
- How to manage work health and safety risks – Code of Practice (PDF, 556.72 KB)
- Managing the risks of plant in the workplace – Code of Practice (PDF, 1987.96 KB)
- Construction Work – Code of Practice (PDF, 1014.41 KB)
- A guide to work health and safety in the road freight transport industry
- Safety around your vehicle (SAYV) glove box guide
- Working with or around mobile plant safety alert – SafeWork NSW
- Falling objects in construction fact sheet (PDF, 122.91 KB)
Further information
Heavy Vehicle changeover fatality (6 July 2021)
A 52 year old truck driver was fatally injured on the Macleay Valley Way at Clybucca, in northern NSW. The location is commonly used as a changeover point for heavy vehicles travelling between Sydney and Brisbane.
On the night of the incident, several heavy vehicles were parked on the shoulder of both sides of the road. The worker, who was not wearing high visibility clothing at the time, was struck by an oncoming heavy vehicle. The heavy vehicle was driving in the middle of the road at the time of the incident.
Safety information
Consider ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risks associated with heavy vehicle changeovers.
All transport operators should:
- conduct risk assessments of heavy vehicle changeover locations
- identify suitable control measures such as:
- safe locations for undertaking tasks that are related to heavy vehicle changeovers
- ensure the area has sufficient lighting when it’s dark
- provide training and instruction to workers on the hazards associated with work tasks and safe systems of work for heavy vehicle changeovers
- provide workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) and information, training and instruction for its proper use, wearing and storage
- have systems in place to monitor compliance with safe work procedures.
All drivers should:
- when coupling and uncoupling trailers, park the prime mover and trailer on a flat, level and hard surface in a safe location
- follow reasonable instruction, policy and procedures from the transport operator
- operate vehicles and conduct work tasks in accordance with Work Health Safety laws and the National Heavy Vehicle Law
- wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) required for the tasks to be undertaken.
Statistics
The transport industry is one of NSW’s highest risk industries. Common causes of serious injury or death in the transport, postal and warehousing industry are:
- working at heights
- hazardous manual tasks
- being hit by moving objects
- being trapped between stationary and moving objects.
More information
- National Heavy Vehicle Regulator - Master Code
- Transport for NSW - Heavy Vehicle Driver Handbook [PDF] (refer pages 82-87)
- SafeWork NSW - Safety Around Your Vehicle Glove Box Guide [PDF] (refer pages 12,14,16)
- SafeWork NSW - Transport Work Health and Safety Sector Plan [PDF]
Tilt tray truck fatality (26 April 2021)
A 71-year-old male sustained fatal injuries while loading a car onto a tilt tray truck in Singleton NSW. It is believed that the car came off the tilt tray causing the worker to fall and strike his head on the pavement.
The tilt truck involved in the incident
Safety information
Consider ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risks associated with tilt truck operations including uncontrolled movements of vehicles. Ensure plant, structures, systems of work and sufficient training and instruction are provided to ensure work can be carried out in a safe manner.
Tow truck operators must:
- Ensure drivers are competent to undertake the work and hold a current Tow Truck Drivers Certificate and Drivers Licence
- Ensure the tow truck’s required equipment is available, inspected and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations
- Ensure the truck and equipment deployed is appropriate for the vehicle being retrieved
- Make sure workers are provided with training and instruction to safely use appropriate recovery systems
- Routinely monitor and review all control measures
Workers must take reasonable care for their own health and safety, and comply with any reasonable, policy, instruction, or procedure of the tow truck operator for which they are working.
Tow truck drivers should:
- Make sure you have the necessary training and experience to identify hazards associated with uncontrolled movement of vehicles
- Ensure the weight of the vehicle being retrieved does not exceed the Safe Working Load (SWL) of the tow truck, its winch or equipment such as hooks or towing eyes
- Check the Safe Working Load (SWL) for the truck and cradle is not exceeded when using the towing cradle for single vehicles or using the tilt tray and cradle when towing two vehicles. This includes towing a car and caravan in the case of a breakdown recovery
When preparing a vehicle for tow:
- Park the truck on level ground. When this is not possible, be aware of the vehicle limitations and what to do when parking on a gradient
- Use chocks behind the wheels to prevent uncontrolled movement
- Always apply the parking brake when exiting the vehicle
- Know the components and limitations of the braking system
- When lifting a vehicle onto the tow truck, use designated plant and equipment to secure to appropriate connection points, check the braking systems and steering controls for damage
- At all times stand to the side of vehicle when connecting a winch to vehicles
More information
- Working with or around mobile plant – SafeWork NSW\
- Managing the risks of plant in the workplace – Code of Practice
- Uncontrolled movement of vehicles - SafeWork NSW
- Working with super tilt heavy vehicle recovery trucks & trailers – SafeWork NSW
Download the PDF of this Incident Information Release as a PDF
Tipper truck roll away fatality (11 October 2020)
A 50-year-old mechanic suffered fatal crush injuries in Tumut, whilst working on the brake line of a tipper truck. The worker was situated underneath the truck when it rolled forward over the worker before coming to rest after colliding with another parked tipper truck.
Safety information
Businesses must implement ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risks associated with uncontrolled movements (e.g. roll aways) of vehicles, including trucks, cars, buses, vans, forklifts, tractors, mobile cranes and the like.
You must:
- when acquiring vehicles, consider models and options that eliminate or minimise the risk of uncontrolled movement
- park the vehicle on level ground. Where it is not reasonably practicable to park the vehicle on level ground, be aware of the limitations of the vehicle including the maximum slope of the supporting surface and what to do when parking on a gradient
- always apply the parking brake when exiting the vehicle
- appropriately chock the wheels of vehicles and trailers before conducting inspection or maintenance activities to prevent uncontrolled movement
- ensure the vehicle is inspected and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations
- be familiar with the components and limitations of the braking system that may cause unintentional release of the brakes
- consider implementing aftermarket controls that minimise the risk of uncontrolled movement of vehicles, (e.g. include seat sensor interlocked brakes or fail-safe braking systems)
- where it is not reasonably practicable to employ engineering controls, implement other controls such as alarm systems and/or operating procedures
- develop site specific parking locations and procedures in consultation with workers
- ensure workers have the necessary training, experience and supervision to identify hazards and control the risks associated with the uncontrolled movement of vehicles
- routinely monitor and review all control measures.
More information
Truck driver crushed by excavator bucket
Date of incident: 28 September 2020
A 70-year-old truck driver was fatally crushed while unloading a 400-500kg excavator sieve bucket from a semi-trailer. The bucket was lashed to the semi-trailer. When the chains holding the bucket were released, the bucket slid and toppled off the truck, crushing the worker between the bucket and a bridge beam on the ground next to the truck.
Safety information
Businesses must implement ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risks associated with loading and unloading mobile plant equipment.
You must:
- check that the load has not shifted during transportation before releasing the transportation restraints
- develop and document a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS), in consultation with your workers, for unloading plant and equipment with a crane. Make sure all relevant workers understand and implement the SWMS.
- where necessary, sling the load to lifting equipment, such as a crane, prior to releasing the transportation restraints
- determine the weight or centre of gravity of the load, and the slinging technique to be used. A Dogging High Risk Licence is required for this type of work
- establish exclusion zones to make sure people are not placed within potential fall zones
More information
- Plant, machinery and equipment information
- Code of practice for managing the risks of plant in the workplace
- WorkSafe Qld video on unloading mobile plant
View the latest incident information releases at Incident Information Releases
Tow truck driver crushed by rolling prime mover (10 August 2020)
Date of incident: 10 August 2020
A 52-year-old tow truck driver was fatally crushed by a prime mover as it rolled off a tilt tray semi-trailer in Newcastle. The incident occurred as the truck driver was loading the prime mover he had purchased onto the tilt tray semi-trailer. It appears that when the driver raised the tilt tray to place tie down chains around the chassis of the prime mover, it rolled backwards off the tilt tray and crushed him. NSW Police are preparing a coroner’s report.
Safety information
Businesses must consider ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risk of uncontrolled movements of vehicles.
You should:
- park the vehicle on level ground. If not, be aware of the vehicle limitations and what to do when parking on a gradient
- use chocks behind the wheel to prevent uncontrolled movement
- always apply the parking brake when exiting the vehicle
- make sure the vehicle is inspected and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations
- understand the components and limitations of the braking system
- when recovering or towing vehicles, use designated connection points and check the braking systems and steering controls for damage
- when connecting recovery equipment to vehicles, do not place yourself between potential crush points
- make sure workers are provided with training and instruction on assessing and using recovery systems
- develop site specific parking locations and procedures in consultation with workers
- make sure you have the necessary training and experience to identify hazards associated with uncontrolled movement of vehicles
- routinely monitor and review all control measures
Further information
You can also refer to the following guidance materials:
*Working with or around mobile plant
*Code of Practice – Managing the risks of plant in the workplace
*Uncontrolled movement of vehicles safety alert | SafeWork NSW
View the latest incident information releases at safework.nsw.gov.au
Worker crushed by lengths of pipe (16 September 2019)
Date of incident: 16 September 2019
A 65-year-old driver suffered fatal injuries when struck by two steel pipes as they were being unloaded from a heavy-vehicle trailer in Moorebank. A telehandler, operating from the opposite side of the truck, was used to unload the pipes.
The investigation
- SafeWork NSW inspectors responded to the incident.
- SafeWork NSW commenced an investigation to determine the cause and circumstances of the incident.
Safety information
Consider ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risks associated with unloading heavy loads.
Before entering any work area, delivery drivers should be inducted into the site-specific rules and procedures, then directed to an exclusion zone that allows mobile plant to be used safely.
Before unloading, make sure:
- fasteners and load restraint systems are working as intended, and are in good condition – restraint systems should prevent loads from moving and control pipes from rolling off the truck bed or against a truck-mounted post, barrier or frame
- workers are competent, have received training and instructions on loading and unloading stock safely, and have appropriate high-risk work licences if necessary
- the appropriate plant is used to lift and transport the stock, and attachments are compatible and properly fitted.
When loading or unloading, make sure:
- workers don’t place themselves between the load and the truck, trailer, lifting equipment or any other pinch point
- workers don’t work on the opposite side of the trailer (other than when seated in the cab of a backstop forklift).
Further information
- Machinery and equipment safety page
- Forklift safety page
- Forklift load handling safety video
- Forklift information sheet for owners and operators
- Industrial lift trucks – general guide
- How to manage work health and safety risks - code of practice
- Guidance for transporting and stacking wide loads
- Managing the risks of plant in the workplace - code of practice
- Moving plant on construction sites
Low loader ramp crush fatality (2 April 2020)
Date of incident: 2 April 2020
A 54-year-old truck driver was crushed by a loading ramp and died, while unloading earthmoving equipment from a low loader.
Safety information
This is the second death in NSW in the past six months involving a truck driver being crushed by loading ramps. In November 2019, a similar incident occurred.
If you operate and maintain low loader trailers, make sure:
- you assume a loading ramp can fall on someone at any time, unless properly restrained
- you don’t rely on hydraulics or other lowering devices to prevent a ramp falling
- those involved in the task are properly informed, trained and supervised
- pre-start checks are done, including inspecting and testing the hydraulic system
- measures are in place to prevent anyone being in the ‘swing arc’ area when ramps are lowered, raised or unsecured
- procedures are in place to deal with hydraulic malfunctions, loss of hydraulic oil, hydraulic oil leaks, damage to hydraulics or structural failures
- ramps are used according to manufacturer’s instructions
- ramps and other equipment are regularly inspected and maintained by a competent person
- there are signs at the rear of the vehicle, warning people to stay clear of ramps
- workers can’t be struck by a falling ramp.
More information
Truck roll-away (10 January 2020)
A 51-year-old man was crushed by his truck in Marsden Park when it rolled down a slope as he was fitting a dog-trailer to it. It’s the second serious truck roll-away incident in NSW in the past seven months.
The Investigation
- SafeWork NSW inspectors responded to the incident.
- SafeWork NSW commenced an investigation to determine the cause and circumstances of the incident.
Safety information
Consider ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risks associated with uncontrolled movements (e.g. roll-aways) of vehicles, including cars, trucks, buses, vans, forklifts, tractors, mobile cranes and the like.
Make sure you:
- park the vehicle on level ground, or be aware of the limitations of the vehicle and what to do when parking on a gradient
- apply the parking brake when you get out of the vehicle
- have the vehicle inspected and maintained according to the manufacturer’s recommendations
- know the limitations of the braking system and what may cause the brakes to release
- consider installing seat-sensor interlocked brakes, a fail-safe braking system or anything that will prevent uncontrolled movements of the vehicle
- install an alarm system, or implement operating procedures or other low-level controls if you can’t use engineering controls
- when acquiring vehicles, consider options that eliminate or minimise the risk of uncontrolled movements
- develop site-specific parking locations and procedures in consultation with workers
- train your workers
- monitor and review control measures.
Further information
You can also refer to the following guidance materials:
Hydraulic failure fatality (5 November 2019)
Date of incident
5 November 2019
Incident overview
A 55-year-old truck driver sustained fatal injuries after being crushed by a hydraulic powered ramp on a trailer connected to the prime mover he was driving. The incident occurred as the truck driver was attempting to unload two vehicles from the trailer in an industrial area in Ingleburn. After removing the safety chains from the ramps, one of the ramps has fallen, fatally crushing the driver.
The investigation
- SafeWork NSW inspectors responded to the incident.
- SafeWork NSW commenced an investigation to determine the cause and circumstances of the incident.
Safety Information
Businesses are reminded of their duty to identify hazards and manage risks to health and safety in accordance with the provisions of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017.
Businesses must implement ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risks associated with hydraulic systems:
Always assume a loading ramp can fall on a person at any time unless properly secured by a restraint device. Never rely on the trailer hydraulics or other lowering devices to prevent a ramp from falling.
Persons involved in the operation and maintenance of loading ramps on trailers must ensure:
- persons undertaking the lowering and raising of loading ramps have received adequate information and training and are supervised to the extent necessary for safe operation
- appropriate pre-start checks of trailers are conducted, including a visual inspection of the hydraulic system and where practicable, test the operation of the hydraulic system
- effective control measures are put in place to prevent workers and/or members of the public being in the ‘swing arc’ area when ramps are being lowered or raised, or when the ramps are in the raised position but not secured
- procedures to deal with hydraulic system malfunctions, loss of hydraulic oil, hydraulic oil leaks, damage to hydraulics or structural failures are in place and followed
- ramps are used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
- ramps and their ancillary equipment are regularly inspected and maintained by a competent person
- clearly visible signs at the rear of the vehicle warning people to remain clear of ramps at all times help to highlight the risk
- workers should never stand or move past where they could be struck by a falling ramp
Further information
You can also refer to the following guidance materials:
Shipping container incident (25 September 2019)
A 67-year-old man suffered fatal injuries when crushed between containers at Port Botany. He was working near a forklift carrying a 12-metre long shipping container, when the container hit a stationary container, causing it to slide and trap the man between it and a nearby stack of containers.
The investigation
- SafeWork NSW inspectors responded to the incident.
- SafeWork NSW commenced an investigation to determine the cause and circumstances of the incident.
Safety information
Consider ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risk of lifting and transporting shipping containers.
Make sure:
- the site has adequate space and light to operate plant safely around the containers
- the environmental conditions – heat, cold, rain, wind, ventilation – don’t hinder safety
- exclusion zones are established and maintained around containers and mobile plant, to protect workers from falling objects and moving plant - as set out in your traffic management plan
- plant and equipment is fit for purpose, inspected and properly maintained, in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations
- operators are competent and hold the relevant high risk work licence for the work they are doing, such as the operating reach stackers, forklifts or cranes.
Further information
Timber pack falls off truck (22 August 2019)
Incident overview
A truck driver was standing next to his truck as a forklift was used to load it with pine timber packs at a workplace in Bathurst. One of the timber packs fell off the tray, striking the truck driver. The driver sustained a serious head injury and later died as a result of his injuries.
The investigation
- SafeWork NSW inspectors responded to the incident.
- SafeWork NSW commenced an investigation to determine the cause and circumstances of the incident.
Safety information
You must consider ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risk when moving heavy loads:
- Train all lifting equipment operators and certify each worker holds the appropriate high-risk work licence for the task.
- Establish a no-go zone where there is a risk of the load falling.
- Separate plant from people in loading and unloading zones.
- Ensure mobile plant attachments are fit for purpose, compatible with the host plant and fitted and secured properly before use.
- Always consider the weight, size, shape and composition of the load when selecting equipment and preparing the transport method.
- Never exceed the rated capacity of the lifting equipment (check how lifting equipment can cope when combined with attachments).
- Check the destination location is suitable for the load in terms of weight, size and stability (eg when stacking on top of other materials, ensure the materials can receive the load).
- Lift and carry loads in a way that ensures mobile plant remains stable.
- Avoid lifting loads of more than one item which might not remain steady on the attachment when travelling or unloading.
- Travel with the load lowered to allow the operator to see and maintain stability of the load (if not practicable, reverse or engage a spotter).
- Never sling a load from the tines.
Further information
You can also refer to the following guidance materials:
Rolling truck crush fatality (24 June 2019)
Incident overview
A 58-year-old truck driver was fatally injured at a waste recycling facility at Camellia when, after exiting the cabin of a truck, he was pinned between the cabin and the door of the truck as it rolled into concrete blocks.
The investigation
- SafeWork NSW inspectors responded to the incident.
- SafeWork NSW has commenced an investigation to determine the cause and circumstances of the incident.
Safety information
Businesses must consider ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risk of uncontrolled movements (roll away) of vehicles, including cars, trucks, buses, vans, forklifts, tractors, mobile cranes etc.
You should:
- Park the vehicle on level ground. Where it is not reasonably practicable to park the vehicle on level ground, be aware of the limitations of the vehicle including the maximum slope of the supporting surface and what to do when parking on a gradient.
- Always apply the parking brake when exiting the vehicle.
- Ensure the vehicle is inspected and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Be familiar with the components and limitations of the braking system that may cause unintentional or unintentional release of the brakes.
- Consider implementing aftermarket controls that minimise the risk of uncontrolled movement of vehicles, (eg include seat sensor interlocked brakes or fail safe braking systems).
- Where it is not reasonably practicable to employ engineering controls, implement lower level controls such as alarm systems and/or operating procedures.
- When acquiring vehicles, consider models and options that eliminate or minimise the risk of uncontrolled movement.
- Develop site specific parking locations and procedures in consultation with workers.
- Ensure workers have the necessary training, experience and supervision to identify hazards to control the risks associated with the uncontrolled movement of vehicles.
- Routinely monitor and review all control measures.
Further information
You can also refer to the following guidance materials:
Crush injuries working on tipper truck (23 May 2019)
Incident date
23 May 2019
Event
Crush injuries while working on tipper truck
Location
Moree
Incident overview
A worker was greasing a tipper truck after undertaking deliveries. The worker had raised the tipper body on the truck and was leaning over the passenger-side between the chassis rail and the tipper body. The tray descended and the worker sustained fatal crush injuries.
The investigation
SafeWork NSW Inspectors responded to the incident.
SafeWork NSW has commenced an investigation to determine the cause and circumstances of the incident.
Our Prosecution Guidelines (January 2018) outline our approach to prosecutions and Safe Work Australia’s National Compliance and Enforcement Policy provides guidance on their approach to compliance. These documents set out factors that will be considered in determining the investigative approach and appropriate outcome.
Safety Information
Businesses are reminded of their duty to identify hazards and manage risks to health and safety in accordance with the provisions of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017.
Businesses must consider ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risks when carrying out inspections or doing maintenance/repair work underneath raised tipping or tilting trays on trucks or trailers.
These include ensuring:
- safe systems of work are developed and implemented before starting work to minimise the risk of working under a tipper tray
- maintenance activities are carried out by a competent person in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations
- work or inspections are not undertaken between a raised tipper tray and the vehicle chassis rails, unless the tray is supported by a mechanical stop, such as a safety bar correctly applied, or suitably designed props or stands
- wood is never used to support an elevated tipper tray
- limiter cables are protected from inadvertent activation by the use of shrouds or guarding
- controls for raising and lowering the tipper tray are clearly marked and protected from inadvertent operation, and the system is isolated (eg truck is turned off and keys removed from ignition)
- hydraulics and mechanical parts are regularly inspected and maintained by a competent person
- worn or damaged parts are repaired or replaced
- new vehicles have safeguards fitted to the tipper tray system, such as built-in props/stops to secure the tray when elevated.
Support
Our Coordinator Family Liaison can provide information on counselling and other support to injured workers and to close family members when a relative has died or is seriously injured in the workplace. Contact us on 13 10 50 or [email protected]
Visit www.coroners.justice.nsw.gov.au for information about the State Coroner.
Further information
You can also refer to the following guidance materials:
- Australian Standard AS 1418.8 – Cranes, hoists and winches
- Hydraulics safety information – WorkCover Queensland
About this information release
We have issued this information to draw attention to a fatality in the transport and maintenance industry. Investigations are ongoing and further information may be published as it becomes available. The information contained in this publication is based on knowledge and understanding at the time of writing. Users are reminded of the need to ensure any information upon which they rely is up to date and to check the currency of the information with the appropriate SafeWork NSW officer or the user’s independent adviser. No conclusions should be drawn from the information in this publication about the cause of the incident or the culpability of any party. All photographs were taken by SafeWork NSW.
Truck crush fatality (15 May 2019)
Incident overview
A truck driver was fatally injured when he was trapped between the bottom well deck and the chassis rail of a heavy vehicle transport trailer in a carpark at Kirrawee.
The investigation
- SafeWork NSW Inspectors responded to the incident.
- SafeWork NSW has commenced an investigation to determine the cause and circumstances of the incident.
Safety information
Businesses must consider all ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risks when carrying out inspections or doing maintenance/repair work under raised tipping or tilting trays on trucks or trailers. You should:
- Develop safe systems of work that minimise the risks associated with working under a raised ramp.
- Ensure maintenance activities are carried out by a competent person in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Don’t do work or inspections under a raised ramp unless it is supported by a mechanical stop, such as a safety bar correctly applied, or suitably designed props or stands.
- Don’t use wood to support a raised ramp.
- Protect limiter cables from inadvertent activation with shrouds or guarding.
- Make sure controls for raising and lowering ramps are clearly marked and protected from inadvertent operation, and the system is isolated (eg truck is turned off and keys removed from ignition).
- Have a competent person regularly inspect and maintain hydraulics and mechanical parts.
- Repair or replace worn or damaged parts.
- Fit new vehicles with safeguards attached to the ramp system, such as built-in props/stops to secure the ramp when elevated.
Further information
You can also refer to the following guidance materials:
- Australian Standard AS 1418.8 – Cranes, hoists and winches
- Hydraulics safety information – WorkCover Queensland