February 28, 2018
Workplace Health and Safety inspectors have begun checking workplaces in a bid to cut the number of deaths caused by rolling trucks or trailers.
Since 2012, there have been 24 deaths in Queensland where a worker or driver was crushed by a truck or trailer because it was not safely immobilised.
These fatalities do not include the large number of incidents where trucks rolled away or moved, causing significant injuries or property damage.
A WH&S spokesperson said that last month, a mechanic was run over while servicing a vehicle.
Investigations found the worker was underneath the vehicle while the driver was sitting in the cab with the engine running; the vehicle moved forward unexpectedly and ran over the mechanic.
Last year, a company was fined $60,000 in Nanango Magistrates Court following the death of a worker who was run over by a truck and trailer while on a job placing mulch on garden beds.
The man had shimmied under the back of a parked trailer to fix an air hose when the truck and trailer began moving backwards, running him over.
The director of the company witnessed the incident and was deeply affected by the traumatic death of his friend and employee.
The WH&S spokesman said that tragically about 25 per cent of the fatalities could be avoided by simply applying the vehicle’s braking system.
“As part of our efforts to tackle this issue, we have contacted workplaces in preparation for inspector visits,” the spokesman said.
“The inspectors are looking at how businesses manage the risk of trucks rolling away, as well as other safety concerns around workers being under vehicles, maintaining trucks or coupling and decoupling trailers.
“Inspectors will visit workplaces where these incidents typically occur: distribution centres, warehouses, depots, as well as retail, construction and manufacturing sites across Queensland.
“Some retail sector workplaces have already begun addressing this safety issue directly, with Woolworths now making it mandatory for any trucks entering their distribution sites to have an audible park brake alarm installed.
“Enforcement action will be taken against those duty holders who do not effectively manage immobilisation of trucks and trailers.”
