WorkSafe charges transport company after two truck crashes

A transport company has been charged after an investigation revealed that unsafe work practices led to two serious truck crashes in South Gippsland.

The accused company has been charged by WorkSafe Victoria with allowing the two trucks – both milk tankers – to be driven, despite being aware they were unsafe.

They were charged under section 32 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, for recklessly engaging in conduct that placed others in danger of serious injury.

WorkSafe has also charged the company for breaching section 23 of the OHS Act by exposing people other than employees, which in this instance was other road users, to health and safety risks when it failed to ensure unsafe milk tankers were not driven on public roads.

In three further charges under section 21(2)(a) of the OHS Act for failing to provide or maintain safe plant; and failing to provide or maintain safe systems of work to ensure vehicles were free of mechanical defects and driver fatigue was managed.

The matter was addressed at a filing hearing at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court in February 2022.

Better safe than sorry

This incident highlights the need to ensure you have robust and well documented machinery compliance processes in place.

Plant Assessor can help you put your processes and systems to the test, identify any gaps, and show you what to improve.

Get your FREE  Machinery Safety System Health Check today.

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.