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.