Heavy vehicles and trailers hitting or crushing workers

There have been a number of incidents where heavy vehicles or trailers have fatally crushed workers.

In many cases, the vehicle had not been correctly immobilised.

Some of the contributing factors to these incidents include:

• workers being under a heavy vehicle or trailer, or in its path.
• unsafe systems of work being applied, such as poor separation of traffic from pedestrian areas.
• failing to immobilise:
  • the handbrake of the vehicle not applied, or brakes malfunctioning
  • the wheels of the heavy vehicle or trailer not immobilised (e.g. chocked)
  • components of the heavy vehicle or trailer not restrained or adequately supported
• not conducting a risk assessment before working on the vehicle.

Immobilise heavy vehicles

If an employee needs to work near a heavy vehicle, or between a heavy vehicle and another object, first make sure the vehicle is immobilised by:

• switching off the motor and removing the key from the ignition to render it inoperable
• applying the handbrake
• using wheel chocks, if required.

Establish a safe operating procedure and ensure workers follow it to eliminate the risk of anyone failing to immobilise their vehicle.

Consider installing a handbrake warning system to alert drivers when the handbrake has not been applied (these can be easily retrofitted).

When working under heavy vehicles and trailers, ensure an appropriate load support is used (e.g. stands or lifting devices).

Conduct risk assessments before commencing work.

Identify hazards and assess risks associated with working under and around heavy vehicles or trailers. Where appropriate:

• establish an exclusion zone that is clearly marked and enforced
• use safe work procedures for maintenance and repair tasks, and ensure that workers are trained in these procedures
• ensure worker training, experience and competency is consistent with the nature and complexity of the task.

Similar risks exist for light and smaller vehicles and a risk assessment should be conducted before commencing work.

What are the hazards and risks associated with working under and around heavy vehicles or trailers?

How do you immobilise a heavy vehicle before starting work in its vicinity?

What safety measures do we have in place to prevent something like this from happening on our site? How can we improve?