Uncontrolled vehicle movements (or roll-aways) have been responsible for several deaths in NSW.

SafeWork NSW has investigated incidents where workers have been crushed when appropriate control measures were not implemented to effectively immobilise a vehicle.

Considerations

A vehicle may be subject to uncontrolled movement when you:

• do repairs on the vehicle, including roadside repairs
• load and unload your vehicle
• couple and uncouple your truck and trailer
• park on an incline or uneven surface
• do not immobilise the vehicle properly.

Keep drivers and others safe by:

• parking on level ground
• always applying the handbrake properly
• using wheel chocks
• knowing how to use safety features such as handbrake warning systems
• providing adequate training and supervision
• only performing tasks that you have received appropriate training for.

See our safety alert for Immobilising heavy vehicles and trailers for more information.

Prevent uncontrolled vehicle movement

Before starting work, always identify the hazards and assess the risks.

Drivers should:

• park the vehicle on level ground and if this is not possible, be aware of the limitations of the vehicle including what to do when parking on a gradient
• always switch off the vehicle and remove the key from the ignition to make the motor inoperable and apply the brakes before getting out. Some loading and unloading devices (e.g. tailgate) may require the vehicle to be turned on
• be trained on how to immobilise the specific vehicle they are driving
• be trained on what to do if the vehicle breaks down i.e. emergency protocols and assistance
• chock the wheels before conducting inspection or maintenance activities
• be trained on how to correctly and safely couple and uncouple trailers.

Truck owners should:

• consider installing a park brake warning system that alerts the driver if the park brake is not applied
• ensure competent workers undertake maintenance on your truck and use suitable jacks, hydraulic hoists or a vehicle pit when inspecting or maintaining your vehicle
• ensure inspection and maintenance of your vehicle is done according to the manufacturer’s instructions
• know how to correctly and safely couple and uncouple your trailer.

Use of maxi brakes and wheel chocks

Maxi brakes and wheel chocks should be fitted and used to prevent unintentional movement or rolling when parked or positioned on inclined surfaces.

Maxi brakes have two chambers; one that acts the same as a standard brake chamber, and a second chamber that contains a very powerful mechanical spring that acts as a fail-safe should the air brake system lose air pressure. The maxi brake also serves as a mechanical parking brake to prevent a trailer from rolling when parked on inclined surfaces.

Wheel chocks are designed to be used to prevent a vehicle from rolling backward or forward while parked, or while parked for maintenance work, unloading, loading, etc. Because there is a range of vehicle and trailer types and tire sizes, they’re manufactured in a variety of styles and from different materials. They are inexpensive and should be used to provide safety for those working around the vehicle.

Incident information release

A 58-year-old truck driver was fatally injured at a waste recycling facility at Camellia when, after exiting the cabin of a truck, he was pinned between the cabin and the door of the truck as it rolled into concrete blocks.

Read the Incident Information Release.

^{The truck involved in the incident.}