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WorkSafe Victoria in reversing trailer fatality probe

Yarraville depot incident the second death of its kind this year

 

WorkSafe Victoria has issued an incident report on a freight depot fatality as it continues to probe the incident.

On November 2, a 65-year-old man was directing a co-worker to reverse a truck and trailer into a shed at a Yarraville depot, when he stumbled and fell into the path of the trailer, the workplace authority reports.

WorkSafe continues to investigate the matter, a spokesperson tells ATN.

This is the second death this year from an employee being struck by a truck and trailer at a depot in the state.


How WorkSafe investigations led to a truck driver fatality penalty, here


In other incidents this year, six drivers in road freight transport have sustained fatal injuries following single vehicle accidents, vehicle rollovers, or losing control of the vehicle.

The death brings the workplace fatality toll to 60 for 2020, four more than at the same time last year.

In its incident report, WorkSafe advises employers to identify and control any risks to health or safety associated with the use of the vehicles, ensuring:

  • traffic management systems are in place and are followed
  • people, vehicles, and mobile plant are separated
  • fatigue risks are controlled and employees are fit for work
  • vehicle maintenance schedules are in place and followed
  • systems are in place in depots to identify and remove slip, trip and fall hazards (for example oil leaks, pooled water, rubbish or debris).

Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, employers must so far as is reasonably practicable provide and maintain a safe working environment, safe plant, and provide employees the necessary tools to work safely.

 

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