Probe into truckie hurt delivering sand at Danly Building and Garden Supplies wraps up

A truckie was delivering sand to Danly Building and Garden Supplies in Ocean Grove when he was seriously injured. The work place safety regulator has now wrapped up its probe into the serious incident.

WorkSafe has ruled an incident in which a truck driver was seriously injured when hit by the tailgate of his rig at an Ocean Grove garden supply business was an accident.

The Geelong Advertiser understands the tip-truck driver, in his 50s, was self-employed and sub-contracted by Danly Building and Garden Supplies to deliver sand when he was struck by the tailgate at the business off Grubb Rd on June 28.

A mechanical issue with the tailgate is understood to have caused it to swing open unexpectedly.

The Geelong Advertiser understands the WorkSafe investigation found no fault with work practices at Danly.

Danly Building and Garden Supplies in Ocean Grove on June 28. Picture: Alan Barber

WorkSafe at Danly Building and Garden Supplies in Ocean Grove on June 28. Picture: Alan Barber

A WorkSafe spokesman said a comprehensive investigation was completed and it was determined there would be no prosecution under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

WorkSafe executive director of health and safety Narelle Beer urged employers to check their safety processes and take active steps to reduce hazards around loading and unloading trucks.

“Whether trucks are making deliveries to a construction site, on a farm, or manoeuvring around a depot, wherever trucks are operating employers must take all reasonable steps to maintain a safe workplace,” Dr Beer said.

“The risks of becoming trapped, being crushed or falling from heights need to be taken very seriously. We’ve also seen a number of incidents where workplaces did not have adequate traffic management plans in place to reduce the risks from moving trucks, plant or nearby traffic, resulting in serious injuries.”

WorkSafe said employers using or working around trucks should ensure:

- A traffic management plan was in place for pedestrians and mobile plant and that it is reviewed and updated as appropriate;

- An effective communication system between operators, transport contractors and ground staff was in place;

- Machinery and vehicles were regularly inspected and maintained by a suitably qualified person;

- Visibility issues were identified and controlled, particularly if lighting was poor;

- Workers operating loading and unloading equipment had appropriate high risk work licences, as required;

- Signage was in place and barriers are erected where appropriate;

- Drivers were aware of the proximity of power lines.

Originally published as Probe into truckie hurt delivering sand at Danly Building and Garden Supplies wraps up