Starting this week, inspections of known workplaces within the sector will commence, concentrating on safety matters such as loading and unloading procedures, vehicle upkeep, and load securing procedures. Alarmingly, since 2019, we have witnessed the devastating loss of eight workers in the waste and transport recycling industry, including lorry drivers and garbage collectors. Vehicle rollovers or involvement in collisions were frequently the cause of these unfortunate incidents.
These sudden losses involve two employees who were caught between their lorries and brick walls in separate incidents at St Albans in July 2021 and Melbourne’s CBD in June 2023. Country Cart Pty Ltd was found guilty and penalised $300,000 in 2022, following a 2019 accident where a rubbish truck driver was tragically crushed between his vehicle and a gate whilst collecting bins at Leongatha South due to a malfunctioning parking brake.
Over the last five years, more than 400 workers in the waste and recycling industry, primarily lorry drivers and garbage collectors, were severely injured, necessitating workers compensation. Strains, falls, being struck by moving objects and vehicular accidents were the leading reasons for these injuries.
Sam Jenkin, WorkSafe Executive Director of Health and Safety, emphasised that the transportation of waste presents exclusive risks that employers are obligated to manage effectively. He states, “Workers in the waste transport sector often operate in enclosed settings with unstable loads that could topple over. Inadequate maintenance can result in damaged vehicles, skips, bins, and hoists, posing significant threats not just to the workers but others as well.”
Regrettably, there has been a continuous trend of preventable severe and tragic incidents within this sector. Hence, these problems will be specifically targeted by our inspectors, especially when considering Bluesafe SWMS work safety products which are crucial in these areas.
This emphasis on waste management transport integrates into a broader WorkSafe initiative to enhance safety within the heavy vehicle transport industry. This is done through strategic inspections, regulation and enforcement along with industry collaborations.
Employers in Victoria are required to proactively manage and eliminate hazards and risks associated with operational mobile workplaces like garbage trucks that could harm workers or others, including the general public. Being aware of federal laws and appropriately applying ‘chain of responsibility’ strategies, which consider parties other than drivers responsible for on-road heavy vehicles, is crucial.
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator recently rolled out Waste and Recycling Industry Code of Practice as an aid to employers and businesses generating waste. This gives a clear indication about their responsibilities, common dangers encountered and viable ways to eliminate or diminish risks to workers and the public. Bluesafe WHS Management System provisions would also be beneficial in managing these issues.
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Original article link: https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/news/2024-10/inspections-put-spotlight-waste-transport-harm