Worker fatally injured unloading delivery truck (16 January 2023)

A 57-year-old delivery driver sustained fatal injuries when two rolls of electrical conduit he was delivering fell from the truck as he was unloading it. Two of the conduit rolls, weighing approximately 250-300kg each, landed on top of the worker.

A car park with a truck loading with roles of orange electrical conduit
Large orange rolls of electrical conduit on the back of a truck

The delivery truck loaded with rolls of electrical conduit at the incident scene.

Safety information

Consider ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risks associated with loading and unloading trucks.

Ensure:

  • the vehicle selected to transport loads is suitable for the task
  • fasteners and load restraint systems are used as intended to prevent loads from moving or falling
  • fasteners and load restraint systems are inspected before use and regularly maintained by a competent person
  • hazards in the work environment where the loading/unloading of materials will take place, such as overhead electric wires or unstable ground, are identified and eliminated, or risks to health and safety are controlled
  • workers are trained and competent in the use of plant and machinery (e.g., cranes), as well as lifting equipment, and hold High Risk Work licences where required
  • plant and machinery are regularly inspected and maintained by a competent person
  • the truck is immobilised and cannot move during the loading/unloading process e.g., handbrake and stabilisers are deployed
  • an exclusion zone is set up around the truck during loading/unloading processes to separate plant and machinery from people
  • an effective communication system is in place between the truck driver and other workers during the loading/unloading process e.g., hand signals or two-way radios
  • workers do not place themselves between the load and the truck or other equipment
  • a work plan is developed in consultation with all workers involved in the task that details how the task is to be performed
  • information and training are provided to drivers on a safe system of work and loading/unloading procedures are adhered to
  • a traffic management plan is in place and all workers attending the site are provided with this information
  • workers wear appropriate personal protective equipment e.g., high-visibility clothing.

Related guidance material

Further information

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