Workplace fatality – crush injuries involving two vehicles

WARNING

MAY CONTAIN DISTRESSING CONTENT TO SOME READERS

In April 2026, a worker sustained fatal crush injuries after becoming trapped between two vehicles. Preliminary investigations indicate the worker had exited a light truck to attach a trailer when, for reasons that are still under investigation, the vehicle began to move.

It appears the worker attempted to stop the truck before becoming trapped between the moving vehicle and another truck parked nearby.

The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.

IMPORTANT:

These findings are not yet confirmed, and investigations are continuing into the exact cause.

Safety issues

There have been a number of incidents in Queensland where transport industry workers have been seriously injured or killed because a vehicle has not been effectively immobilised while work, maintenance or repairs are being undertaken.

Trucks generally pose a number of risks to operators or other people nearby, including:

the vehicle colliding or contacting people or objects such as other vehicles or plant and energised powerlines
the vehicle moving in an uncontrolled or unexpected manner
the vehicle overturning
objects falling on the operator
the operator being ejected from the vehicle.

You can manage these risks by implementing appropriate control measures.

Ways to manage health and safety

Effective risk management starts with a commitment to health and safety from those who manage the business. If an incident occurs, you will need to show the regulator that you have used an effective risk management process. This responsibility is covered by your primary duty of care in the Work Health and Safety Act 2011.

Use the hierarchy of controls to help decide how to eliminate and reduce risks in your place of work. The hierarchy of controls ranks types of control methods from the highest level of protection and reliability to the lowest. It is a step-by-step approach to eliminating or reducing risks. You must work through the hierarchy of controls when managing risks, with the aim of eliminating the hazard, which is the most effective control.

Further information about the hierarchy of controls and managing risks can be found on the WorkSafe.qld.gov.au website: Managing risks.

Possible control measures to prevent similar incidents

The person conducting the business or undertaking (PCBU) must manage risks associated with immobilising vehicles.

Vehicles need to be maintained in a safe condition. This includes park brakes that function correctly and are properly adjusted.

Working on, under or around trucks and trailers can lead to severe crush injuries if you do not securely immobilise them. Make sure your workers are using suitable controls to immobilise their trucks before working on or near them:

Remove and secure the ignition key while attaching trailers or working on trucks.
Using components to support a vehicle, such as suitable load rated stands and lifting devices which should only be used and maintained according to the manufacturer's specifications and instructions.
Work in a controlled environment where possible and restrict access to the immediate work area.
Installing a handbrake warning system to alert drivers when the handbrake has not been applied:
- Handbrake warning systems are a good way to remind drivers to apply the handbrake before they get out, wherever they are.
- Before making any modifications to your vehicle, the competent person conducting any changes should consult with the manufacturer of the vehicle first.
- Ensure that any modifications are compliant with the relevant Australian Design Rules (ADRs) and design of the vehicle.
Chocking wheels on both sides of the vehicle and chocking to prevent forward and rearward movement using serviceable purpose-built chocks.
Using a flat even surface that can bear the general load of the vehicle and the point load of any equipment such as jacks/lifting equipment.
Developing safe work procedures for:
- maintenance and repair tasks in line with the manufacturer's recommendations
- conducting vehicle inspections
- use of stands, jacks, chocks or other systems for immobilising vehicles
- a lock and tag out process to effectively immobilise vehicles.
Providing workers with instruction, training and supervision on safe work procedures.
Consultation with workers around the sites that they visit.
Ensuing worker training, experience and competency aligns with the requirements and complexity of the task.
- Workers who operate vehicles are appropriately licenced and competent or suitably supervised during training.
- Training programs should be practical and ‘hands on’ and take into account the particular needs of workers like literacy levels, language / cultural barriers, work experience, and specific skills required for the safe use of the vehicle.
- Training on the make and model of the vehicle should be documented.
- Training should be reviewed or repeated if a different vehicle is being used or the vehicle is being upgraded.
Exclusion zones around vehicles (ensuring they are clearly marked and enforced).
Ground conditions and the intended travel pathway have been inspected and assessed to identify any problem areas e.g. sloping ground.

PCBUs (Person conducting a business or undertaking) must first consider controls that most effectively eliminate the risk or, where not reasonably practicable, that minimise the risks. Hazards such as pedestrians being struck by vehicles may also be minimised by implementing administrative controls, so far as is reasonably practicable. Administrative controls can include the design and implementation of a traffic management plan.

Any remaining risk must be minimised with suitable personal protective equipment. For example:

hard hats, steel cap boots and high visibility vests
safety footwear should be:
- suitable for the type of work and environment
- comfortable with an adequate non-slip sole and appropriate tread
- checked regularly to ensure treads are not worn away or clogged with contaminants.

Administrative control measures and PPE rely on human behaviour and supervision. If used on their own, they are least effective in minimising risks. The control measures you put in place should be reviewed regularly to ensure they are effective.

More information

If this information has caused distress, there are services to help:

Lifeline – 24/7 crisis support service, including phone, texting and chat services.
Beyond Blue – information and support for anxiety, depression and suicide prevention for everyone in Australia.
Black Dog Institute – research and resources on mental health in the workplace.
SANE – helpline service, as well as resources on mental health.