WorkSafe urges safety and care working around trucks

WorkSafe is reminding employers and workers about hazards while working around trucks following the deaths of four workers including a local 29 year old two weeks ago.

A diesel mechanic died after he was run over by the B-Double trailer he was working on in Werribee South on July 29.

This was the ninth workplace fatality involving unloading, loading, or working around trucks in the last 12 months.

WorkSafe Executive Director Health and Safety Narelle Beer urged employers to check their safety processes and do everything they could to reduce hazards around loading and unloading trucks.
 
“Whether trucks are making deliveries to a construction site, on a farm, or manoeuvring around a depot, wherever trucks are operating employers must take all reasonable steps to maintain a safe workplace,” Dr Beer said.

“The risks of becoming trapped, being crushed or falling from heights need to be taken very seriously. We’ve also seen a number of incidents where workplaces did not have adequate traffic management plans in place to reduce the risks from moving trucks, plant or nearby traffic, resulting in serious injuries.”

 

Employers using or working around trucks should ensure: 

• A traffic management plan is in place for pedestrians and mobile plant and that it is reviewed and updated as appropriate.
• An effective communication system between operators, transport contractors and ground staff is in place.
• Machinery and vehicles are regularly inspected and maintained by a suitably qualified person.
• Visibility issues are identified and controlled, particularly if lighting is poor.
• Workers operating loading and unloading equipment have the appropriate high risk work licences, as required.
• Signage is in place and barriers are erected where appropriate.
• Drivers are aware of the proximity of powerlines.

For information about managing the risks associated with tip trucks and trailers visit www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/safety-alerts/tipper-truck-and-trailer-rollover-crushes-traffic-controller

For safety information on unloading flat-bed truck trailers visit www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/unloading-flat-bed-truck-trailers

For information on transport, logistics and warehousing safety visit
www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/transport-logistics-and-warehousing-safety-basics