The latest figures on fatal truck crashes suggest companies operating heavy rigid vehicles must urgently upgrade their safety procedures. The number of fatal accidents is on the rise, especially in the 60-80km/h speed zones around urban areas where waste trucks are most active.
The Federal Infrastructure Department figures show 90 fatal crashes and 95 fatalities involving heavy rigid trucks in 2008, compared to 78 fatal crashes and 83 fatalities in 2007 – that is a 15% increase in the number of deaths. Queensland and WA recorded the worst increased in fatalities.
The growing fatality list in this class comes despite a fall in the number deaths suffered by drivers in the articulated truck category.
Every company that uses heavy rigid trucks needs to implement safety systems. All organisations need procedures to make sure:
1. Drivers are fit for duty when they start work;
2. There are systems to train their staff and drivers properly, with regular safety reminders;
3. Their trucks are maintained safely; and realistic run schedules for drivers.
EQAS can assist in further development of OHS Management Systems to ensure the risk of workplace incidents is minimised.
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