Worker fatally struck by rollaway truck (17 October 2022)
A 70-year-old worker sustained fatal crush injuries after being struck by a rollaway flatbed truck in Wilberforce. The worker was moving the truck to the rear of the worksite to allow room for the repositioning of a crane. The worker was walking back towards the crane when the truck rolled backwards down the sloping driveway striking the worker.
Incident location and vehicle involved.
Safety information
Each year people suffer serious and fatal injuries in NSW due to incidents involving the uncontrolled movement (roll away) of vehicles, including cars, trucks, buses, vans, forklifts, tractors, mobile cranes etc. In most incidents the operator is not in the driver’s seat at the time of the incident.
Consider ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risks associated with uncontrolled movements (e.g., roll aways) of vehicles.
Action required:
- Park the vehicle on level ground. Where it is not reasonably practicable to park the vehicle on level ground, be aware of the limitations of the vehicle, including the maximum slope of the supporting surface and what to do when parking on a gradient.
- Always apply the parking brake before exiting the vehicle.
- Use wheel chocks where appropriate.
- Consider installing a handbrake warning system that alerts you if you forget to apply the handbrake.
- Develop site specific parking locations and procedures in consultation with workers.
- Establish a safe operating procedure and ensure workers follow it to eliminate the risk of anyone failing to immobilise their vehicle.
- Routinely monitor and review all control measures.
Related guidance material
- Managing the risks of plant in the workplace – Code of practice (PDF, 1987.96 KB)
- Uncontrolled movement of vehicles – SafeWork NSW safety alert