Union puts chain of responsibility issues in the spotlight after fatal Sydney crash.
The Transport Workers Union (TWU) says today’s fatal collision of two semi-trailers highlights the dangers that truck drivers face on a daily basis.
TWU New South Wales secretary-elect Michael Aird has called for a comprehensive investigation into all aspects of the incident, including any customer or business pressures that may have contributed.
“This morning’s fatal truck crash on the M2 was a tragic reminder of the risks of working in Australia’s most dangerous industry,” he says.
“It’s important that this crash is fully investigated by the NSW Police, the Coroners’ office, and also by WorkCover, because the roads are a workplace for truck drivers.”
While being careful not to specifically link today’s crash to any cause, the TWU noted that “the everyday reality” of the transport industry was that “drivers [are] under enormous pressure from major clients to speed, carry overloaded trucks and skip breaks”.
“Truck drivers are under constant pressure from big companies at the top of the supply chain to do the job quicker and cheaper,” Aird says.
The front-to-rear incident occurred at around 2.30am on January 7, forcing police to close the M2 at Baulkham Hills.
The city-bound trucks collided and left one truck driver trapped in the wreckage for more than two hours. He was taken to hospital where was pronounced dead.
The other truck driver was taken to hospital for precautionary checks and mandatory blood and urine testing.