There are around 160,000 workers in the NSW road freight industry and about 10 truck drivers are killed each year.

It is the state’s second highest risk industry and its return to work and injury management record is the worst in NSW.

The Transport work health and safety sector plan identifies priority risks in the industry and commits to actions that will lead to improved safety.

High risk safety issues

Through data analysis, stakeholder consultation and workplace visits, the following high risk areas are identified:

• onsite traffic management systems
• manual loading and unloading
• return to work and injury management
• driver wellness.

Safety in the road freight transport industry outlines some measures that can help control these risks. On page 19 of this guide you will find a checklist to help you put controls in place to protect your workers and reduce workplace injuries.

To get the latest news and information on workplace safety and return to work, subscribe to our monthly online newsletter.

Transport Operators Safety Network

The Transport Operators Safety Network (TOSN) is a dynamic group of transport operators working collaboratively to develop safety solutions by the industry, for the industry.

The TOSN is an initiative which grew from our work in the Focus on Industry – Road Freight Transport Program. We are proud to be involved with the Transport Operators Safety Network (TOSN). If you are interested in participating, contact us on 13 10 50.

The below video shows how the TOSN meeting brings together business and regulators to discuss safety and best practice.

Safety videos

Visit our YouTube video library to learn more about relevant topics such as:

Unpacking shipping containers

Falls from flatbed trucks and trailers

Working safely around forklifts

Working with split rims

Getting in and out of a prime mover safely

Getting in and out of a truck cab safely

Loading pallets onto a truck tray safely

Unloading pallets from a truck tray safely

Moving around safely during loading and unloading

Be Truck Aware

There are a lot more trucks driving on our roads in Sydney. While they have many safety features like extra mirrors, they do have blind spots. Truck drivers are looking out for you, so you should look out for them – it’s a shared responsibility. See what happened when experienced car drivers sat in the truck driver’s seat.

Free advice

All road freight transport companies in NSW can register for a free advisory visit from a SafeWork officer, who can provide you with simple tips on making your workplace safer.

Get a $500 safety rebate

By organising an advisory visit, you become eligible for a $500 small business rebate to help you implement safety solutions into your business.

Get Healthy at Work

Get Healthy at Work is a free workplace health service that helps you:

• make healthier food choices
• maintain a healthy body weight
• become more physically active
• quit smoking
• reduce harmful alcohol use.

The free service gives you all the tools, resources and support you need to develop a simple yet effective workplace health program. This can include access to an accredited workplace health provider.