Workplace deaths nearly doubled in one week

The recent death 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 and the electrocution of a linesman at Mornington, 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 last Tuesday, when he fell from the trailer while adjusting a load.

He suffered head injuries and died in hospital.

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,” he said. 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. “