SafeWork NSW issues safety warning after two serious workplace incidents yesterday

SafeWork NSW is reminding workplaces of the importance of safety around mobile plant and vehicles after two separate serious incidents within five hours yesterday.

At 7.30pm, a man in his 50s died after being struck by a truck at a recycling centre in Greenacre. NSW Police attended and SafeWork NSW inspectors will be on site today to begin their investigations.

At 3.50pm, a worker in his 40s was seriously injured and is in hospital after being crushed between two cars at a smash repairer workshop in Auburn. SafeWork NSW attended and have issued a Prohibition Notice to the workplace to ensure a safe system of work for working on vehicles.

SafeWork NSW Inspectors are currently conducting a statewide targeted compliance operation to reduce injuries caused by mobile plant, fixed machinery and vehicles in the workplace.

They have issued over 249 notices since the operation began last month including one street in Prestons where 12 visits were conducted over three days, resulting in 42 improvement notices and seven prohibition notices being issued.

The key risks being targeted include ensuring separation between people and plant, preventing access to moving parts, preventing rollovers and ensuring proper training and licensing.

Information on how to reduce mobile plant, fixed machinery and vehicle related hazards is available on the SafeWork NSW website, including the Code of practice – Managing the risks of plant in the workplace (PDF, 1987.96 KB).

SafeWork NSW also offer advisory services and a $1,000 small business rebate to assist with purchasing safety equipment. Businesses with less than 50 workers can book a workplace visit with a SafeWork inspector to identify risks and how to manage them.

Concerned workers can report workplace health and safety issues by calling SafeWork NSW on 13 10 50 or through the Speak Up app.

Trent Curtin, Head of SafeWork NSW said:

These two serious incidents within such a short space of time are tragic and my sympathies go out to their families, friends and colleagues.

Those working with and around mobile plant, fixed machinery and vehicles need to stop and have a look at the safety systems they have in place to prevent this from happening.

Awareness and assessment of the risks along with implementation of safe systems of work is key and involves particular consideration of the operating environment, separation of workers and vehicles, and meaningful consultation with workers to keep them safe.

SafeWork NSW inspectors will educate workplaces they visit regarding safe practices but will not accept workers lives being placed at risk, and can issue on-the-spot fines for serious safety breaches.

All workers deserve to return home safely at the end of their work day. No job is too important that it can’t be done safely.

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SafeWork NSW issues safety warning after two serious workplace incidents yesterday - SafeWork NSW, 21.03.2025

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