Drivers urged to safely immobilise heavy vehicles after Morningside crush

As an investigation begins into a recent incident at Morningside where a driver was crushed by his own truck, it’s a timely reminder for those working in and around heavy vehicles to be extra diligent.

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland Head Dr Simon Blackwood said many workers have been seriously injured or killed due to a heavy vehicle or trailer not being effectively immobilised.

“Sadly, many of these incidents could’ve been avoided, so to help reduce the number of incidents, our inspectors are visiting workplaces to look at how heavy vehicles and trailers are being immobilised,” Dr Blackwood said.

“This campaign is about ensuring businesses having safe operating procedures in place and that workers actually follow them so that vehicles are safely immobilised to minimise the risk of being crushed or hit.”

Dr Blackwood said the message is simple for those who regularly get in and out of heavy vehicles, or work with or around them. They must make sure these trucks are immobilised by:

• switching off the motor and removing the key from the ignition
• applying the handbrake
• using wheel chocks if required.

“It might also pay to install a handbrake warning system to alert drivers when the handbrake hasn’t been applied. These can be easily retro-fitted for a relatively minor cost,” he said.

Further information

For more information on safely immobilising heavy vehicles and trailers, visit worksafe.qld.gov.au