Truck crush fatality (15 May 2019)
Incident overview
A truck driver was fatally injured when he was trapped between the bottom well deck and the chassis rail of a heavy vehicle transport trailer in a carpark at Kirrawee.
The investigation
- SafeWork NSW Inspectors responded to the incident.
- SafeWork NSW has commenced an investigation to determine the cause and circumstances of the incident.
Safety information
Businesses must consider all ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risks when carrying out inspections or doing maintenance/repair work under raised tipping or tilting trays on trucks or trailers. You should:
- Develop safe systems of work that minimise the risks associated with working under a raised ramp.
- Ensure maintenance activities are carried out by a competent person in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Don’t do work or inspections under a raised ramp unless it is supported by a mechanical stop, such as a safety bar correctly applied, or suitably designed props or stands.
- Don’t use wood to support a raised ramp.
- Protect limiter cables from inadvertent activation with shrouds or guarding.
- Make sure controls for raising and lowering ramps are clearly marked and protected from inadvertent operation, and the system is isolated (eg truck is turned off and keys removed from ignition).
- Have a competent person regularly inspect and maintain hydraulics and mechanical parts.
- Repair or replace worn or damaged parts.
- Fit new vehicles with safeguards attached to the ramp system, such as built-in props/stops to secure the ramp when elevated.
Further information
You can also refer to the following guidance materials:
- Australian Standard AS 1418.8 – Cranes, hoists and winches
- Hydraulics safety information – WorkCover Queensland