Workplace death toll nearly doubled in less than a week

04 April 2008

The death yesterday of a truck driver who fell from a trailer near Rockbank was Victoria’s third work related fatality in a week.

Following the death of man when a steel building frame collapsed at Dandenong South last Wednesday and the electrocution of a linesman at Mornington on Thursday, seven Victorians have now died at work since the start of the year.

WorkSafe believes the 46-year-old Warracknabeal truck driver was parked at a Western Highway truck stop on Tuesday night when he fell from the trailer while adjusting a load.

He suffered head injuries and died in hospital yesterday.

Falls while working at height are the cause of a number of workplace deaths and serious injuries every year, WorkSafe Victoria’s Executive Director, John Merritt said.

“Whether you’re working in road transport, construction, manufacturing, retail or any other industry, the means of preventing falls are well known.

“WorkSafe’s website (www.worksafe.vic.gov.au) and Advisory Service (9641 1444 or 1800 136 089) can provide detailed information on how to stay safe.”

Mr Merritt said the latest fatalities reminded all Victorians to ensure their workplaces, and work practices were as safe as possible.

“Whether you’re an employer or an employee, safe systems of work must be in place and used.

“While WorkSafe provides high levels of support and encouragement to the working community and employers they must help themselves.

“If safety standards are not maintained, the chance of injury or death rises, along with the likelihood of WorkSafe intervention and potential prosecution.

“If you routinely work on your own it is even more important to ensure all practicable safety measures are in place. In many cases, the shortcut taken is what kills or maims.”

“Injuries can have long term effects, undermine quality of life and steal opportunities from individuals, families and businesses,” Mr Merritt said.

“Our aim is to ensure all Victorian workers get home at the end of their work day. It should be your aim too.”