SafeWork NSW has issued a safety warning following two serious workplace incidents involving mobile plant and vehicles that occurred within five hours of each other.
In a news release, SafeWork NSW said a man in his 50s died after being struck by a truck at a recycling centre in Greenacre at around 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. NSW Police responded to the incident, and SafeWork NSW inspectors are set to investigate the site.
Earlier in the day, at approximately 3:50 p.m., a worker in his 40s was seriously injured after being crushed between two cars at a smash repair workshop in Auburn.
The injured worker remains in hospital. SafeWork NSW attended the site and issued a Prohibition Notice to ensure a safe system of work is in place for vehicle repairs.
SafeWork NSW inspectors are currently conducting a statewide compliance operation aimed at reducing workplace injuries related to mobile plant, fixed machinery, and vehicles.
Since the operation began last month, inspectors have issued more than 249 notices, including 42 improvement notices and seven prohibition notices issued over three days in Prestons alone.
The compliance efforts focus on key risks such as maintaining separation between workers and mobile equipment, preventing access to moving parts, mitigating the risk of rollovers, and ensuring workers receive adequate training and licensing.
SafeWork NSW provides resources on workplace safety, including the “Managing the Risks of Plant in the Workplace” code of practice, which is available on its website.
To support businesses in implementing safety measures, SafeWork NSW offers advisory services and a $1,000 small business rebate for purchasing safety equipment.
Businesses with fewer than 50 employees can also arrange workplace visits from inspectors to identify and manage risks. Workers can report workplace health and safety concerns through SafeWork NSW’s hotline or the Speak Up app.
Trent Curtin, head of SafeWork NSW, extended his sympathies to those affected by the incidents and underscored the importance of proactive safety measures.
“These two serious incidents within such a short space of time are tragic, and my sympathies go out to their families, friends, and colleagues,” Curtin said.
“Those working with and around mobile plant, fixed machinery, and vehicles need to stop and review the safety systems they have in place to prevent this from happening.”
Curtin emphasised that workplace safety requires thorough risk assessments, proper separation of workers and vehicles, and meaningful consultation with employees.
“SafeWork NSW inspectors will educate workplaces they visit regarding safe practices but will not accept workers’ lives being placed at risk. Inspectors have the authority to issue on-the-spot fines for serious safety breaches,” he said.
“All workers deserve to return home safely at the end of their work day. No job is too important that it can’t be done safely.”
