Tragic negligence leads to $800,000 fine over fatal oversight in heavy vehicle changeovers
Company fined following a fatal incident during a heavy vehicle changeover, highlighting negligence in safety procedures.
The following is an abridgement of an article originally published on the SafeWork NSW website.
A company was fined $800,000 after a tragic incident on July 6, 2021, resulting in the death of a 52-year-old truck driver in NSW.
The transport industry is one of NSW’s highest risk industries and unfortunately this incident ended in fatality.
Vehicle changeover on risky road
The incident occurred during a vehicle changeover where truck trailers were coupled and uncoupled. It was routinely performed at a specific service station that had since closed in 2016.
Despite knowing about this, the logistics company directed workers to use the area for changeovers. Drivers used the road adjacent to the closed service station to perform the changeover activities. The road was about 370 m long, had a speed limit of 100 km/h and with a single lane in both directions.
On the night of the incident, 11 heavy vehicles were parked along the road, and the driver, without high visibility clothing, was hit by a truck travelling at about 75 km/h.
Court conviction: Failure to ensure worker's safety
The court convicted the company for failing to ensure workers' safety.
The court found that the company hadn't done a risk assessment for changeovers at that location, despite knowing the risk of vehicle accidents. They didn't establish a safe work system, provide proper training, or enforce the use of high visibility clothing.
Transport operators should:
- Conduct risk assessments for heavy vehicle changeover locations.
- Identify suitable control measures, including:
- Establishing safe locations for tasks related to heavy vehicle changeovers.
- Ensuring adequate lighting in dark conditions.
- Provide training and instruction to workers on:
- Hazards associated with work tasks during heavy vehicle changeovers.
- Safe systems of work.
- Supply workers with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and proper training for its use, wearing, and storage.
- Implement systems to monitor compliance with safe work procedures.
Drivers should:
- Park prime movers and trailers on flat, level, and hard surfaces during coupling and uncoupling, in safe locations.
- Follow reasonable instructions, policies, and procedures from the transport operator.
- Operate vehicles and perform tasks in accordance with Work Health Safety laws and the National Heavy Vehicle Law.
- Wear appropriate PPE for the tasks at hand.
Further information
For more information and safety advice on heavy vehicle changeovers, read the resources below and refer to the original incident release and the full judgement:
- National Heavy Vehicle Regulator - Master Code
- Transport for NSW - Heavy Vehicle Driver Handbook
- SafeWork NSW - Safety Around Your Vehicle Glove Box Guide
- SafeWork NSW - Transport Work Health and Safety Sector Plan
Sources
Logistics company fined $800,000 following heavy vehicle changeover fatality by SafeWork NSW, 6th May, 2024.
Heavy Vehicle changeover fatality (6 July 2021) by SafeWork NSW.
