East Gippsland bulldozer fatality

03 January 2008

WorkSafe Victoria is investigating the death early today of a man whose bulldozer rolled, killing him in far-east Gippsland.

The man was aged in his 40’s and from Bendoc, close to the NSW border.

A WorkSafe investigation team is at the rollover scene in steep country in the Snowy River National Park north-east of Buchan.

WorkSafe understands the man was a contractor working for the Department of Sustainability and Environment when the incident happened around 1am today.

He was clearing a firebreak off the Lightning Track when the bulldozer rolled several times down a slope before coming to rest against a tree.

It is the first work-related death reported to WorkSafe this year.

“Our thoughts go out to this man’s family, workmates and the local community,” WorkSafe’s Executive Director John Merritt said.

“In regional areas incidents like this have added impact because they tear a hole in the wider community.”

January is one of the worst months for workplace fatalities, with an average of nearly four deaths each January over the past decade. There were five deaths in January 2007.

“While the number of fatalities annually is dropping, January continues to be over-represented in the fatality figures.

“For those who have not taken a break or are just returning to work, it is essential to concentrate on what you’re doing, not where you’d rather be,” Mr Merritt said.

“For those who are returning to work shortly, spend some time thinking about how you can make your workplace safer and follow through with any necessary improvements. It can literally save a life.”

“Planning work, anticipating what can go wrong, ensuring the right equipment is available and not relying on someone’s skill or experience is essential.”