$350,000 fine for fatal fall from truck

A Gippsland transport company has been fined $350,000 after one of its workers was killed falling from a truck. 

D&A Martin Transport Pty Ltd was sentenced over the January 2022 incident after pleading guilty to failing to provide and maintain plant that was safe and without risks to health. 

The 60-year-old truck driver climbed to the top of a truck’s trailer to inspect hatches while collecting a load of grain at a Maffra depot. 

It’s understood the guardrails failed to raise when switched on, causing the driver to fall close to four metres on to the concrete ground after leaning forward. 

Another worker found the driver unresponsive; he sadly passed away the following day. 

Investigations discovered the guardrail failed as a result of poor maintenance and inspections as well as poorly completed repairs.  

The company was found to be in breach of the Occupational Health and Safety Act by not implementing an inspection and maintenance regime and not repairing guardrails in line with Australian standards. 

Adequate maintenance and servicing of machinery can prevent incidents 

As highlighted by this incident, regular maintenance and servicing of machinery is a critical component of keeping equipment safe and reducing the risks they pose to people. Every business operating or supplying machinery should include service and maintenance scheduling as part of their machinery safety systems.  

There are a few key features that are critical inclusions in machinery servicing and maintenance programs. These include: 

• Set schedules: service and maintenance schedules should be established based on the original equipment manufacturer’s (OEM’s) recommendations or usage frequency 

• Maintenance of servicing history: keeping records about previous maintenance and servicing on a machine can help to determine trends in required maintenance or repairs and highlight issues that arise frequently 

• Notifications: utilise digital tools that can help you keep track of upcoming servicing or notify you when due, helping to ensure no critical maintenance is missed 

• Action plans and work orders: once a fault is identified, action plans and work orders should be created to ensure workers are informed of their responsibilities in rectifying issues 

Aside from servicing and maintaining machinery to prevent incidents, there are also other things you can do to prevent similar incidents from occurring, including: 

• Daily pre starts: check over machinery before each use to ensure there are no faults which could cause injury or death to workers 

• Regular risk assessments: these are critical in the identification and rectification of hazards  

• Providing safe access to machines: operators and other workers should always be able to safely access the machine by maintaining three points of contact at all times 
  

Ideagen Plant Assessor can help 

Want to improve servicing and maintenance programs for your machinery? Ideagen Plant Assessor has the tools you need. Simply get in touch with our team on 1300 728 852 or info@assessor.com.au for further information. 

Disclaimer: This information is intended to provide general information on the subject matter. This is not intended as legal or expert advice for your specific situation. You should seek professional advice before acting or relying on the content of this information.