Tipper truck roll away fatality

Safework NSW has reported a fatal incident where a tipper truck has rolled over a mechanic in Tumut. According to the report, a 50-year-old mechanic suffered fatal crush injuries, whilst working on the brake line of a tipper truck. The mechanic was situated underneath the truck when it rolled forward over the worker before coming to rest after colliding with another parked tipper truck.

To respond this incident, Safework NSW said, “businesses must implement ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risks associated with uncontrolled movements (e.g. roll-aways) of vehicles, including trucks, cars, buses, vans, forklifts, tractors, mobile cranes and the like.”

• When acquiring vehicles, consider models and options that eliminate or minimise the risk of uncontrolled movement
• Park the vehicle on level ground. Where it is not reasonably practicable to park the vehicle on level ground, be aware of the limitations of the vehicle including the maximum slope of the supporting surface and what to do when parking on a gradient
• Always apply the parking brake when exiting the vehicle
• Appropriately chock the wheels of vehicles and trailers before conducting inspection or maintenance activities to prevent uncontrolled movement
• Ensure the vehicle is inspected and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations
• Be familiar with the components and limitations of the braking system that may cause an unintentional release of the brakes
• Consider implementing aftermarket controls that minimise the risk of uncontrolled movement of vehicles, (e.g. include seat sensor interlocked brakes or fail-safe braking systems)
• Where it is not reasonably practicable to employ engineering controls, implement other controls such as alarm systems and/or operating procedures
• Develop site-specific parking locations and procedures in consultation with workers
• Ensure workers have the necessary training, experience and supervision to identify hazards and control the risks associated with the uncontrolled movement of vehicles
• Routinely monitor and review all control measures.

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