Two incidents involving young workers and trailers

Possible control measures to prevent similar incidents

Persons conducing a business or undertaking (PCBU) must control all risks associated with vehicles (including trailers) and mobile plant, including the risk of workers and others being struck by moving vehicles (including trailers).

Before any mobile plant or vehicle is operated, the person with management or control of it must ensure the following:

• The vehicle/plant selected is right for the task and is fitted with suitable safety features, e.g. flashing lights, horn, reversing camera, movement beepers.
• The design and implementation of a traffic management plan, including identifying areas where pedestrians and mobile plant may be working in close proximity. It may be necessary for some tasks to be limited where there is a risk of workers being hit by mobile plant.
• Implementing a speed limit for the site.
• Designated signed access ways for pedestrians and crossing points.
• Suitable exclusion zones and communicating these to workers and other people in the vicinity before tasks are carried out. Depending on the task being undertaken, additional requirements may need to be implemented (e.g., specified exclusions zones around plant during loading or unloading)
• Workers should also avoid walking between mobile plant and a fixed object or another vehicle on a slope, .  younger workers may need training on this.
• Trailers are not moved unless both the towing hitch and the safety chains are attached.  Trailers can jump off tow balls and safety chains will prevent uncontrolled movement.
• Consider whether trailer wheels may require chocking, some unhitched trailers have no brakes when the jockey wheel is being used and can take off with no warning on sloping ground.
• The use of a spotter where required, including suitable means of communication between the spotter and operator (e.g., two-way radio) to assist with the safe movement of the vehicle, particularly where there may be blind spots or other workers in the vicinity. The communication plan should include visual contact with spotter, if visual contact is lost, the plant stops until spotters’ location can be confirmed.
• The vehicle is fitted with an appropriate warning device to alert people who may be at risk from the movement of the vehicle. Warning devices must be suitable for the site conditions and be tested and maintained in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations. There are several warning devices that can be fitted to mobile vehicles to alert the operator and others in the workplace including:
  • automatic audible alarms which are usually fitted to warn people about forward or reversing movements
  • lights are usually used to warn people about forward and reversing movements. These lights are wired to operate continuously or in hazard mode by flashing, usually when reversing
  • cameras
• The manufacturer's operating instructions have been read and are followed.
• Workers who operate the vehicle or plant 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, work experience, and specific skills required for the safe use of the vehicle or plant. Training on the make and model of the vehicle or plant should be documented.
• Maintenance and inspection of the plant or vehicle is carried out by a competent person in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Adequate lighting to safely operate the vehicle.
• Any workers around the vehicle are aware of operator blind spots and exclusion zones.
• High visibility vests/clothing to be worn in any areas where there is movement of plant/vehicles.
• If outdoors, the effect of adverse weather conditions (e.g., reduced visibility) has been considered.
• Awareness and consideration of overhead electrical lines.
• Ground conditions and the intended travel pathway has been inspected and assessed to identify any problem areas (e.g., sloping or unstable ground).
• If high risk construction work is planned to be undertaken a safe work method statement (SWMS) must be developed where required

Administrative control measures and personal protective equipment (PPE) rely on human behaviour and supervision. If used on their own, they are the least effective in minimising risks. The control measures you put in place should be reviewed regularly to make sure they work as planned.

Young workers

When selecting the best way to control exposure to the risks for young workers, PCBUs should follow the risk management process set out in the How to manage work health and safety risks Code of Practice 2021 (PDF, 0.65 MB)

PCBUs must also ensure the work environment, and the way young employees do their job, is safe and healthy, regardless of the type and terms of their employment. Communication by PCBUs is important to ensure there is a positive understanding by young workers of the hazards, risks and controls with good monitoring and supervision, then confirm the risks are being managed appropriately.

Employers of young workers should:

• understand their risk profile
• ensure a safe and healthy workplace
• provide information, training, instruction, and supervision
• develop a positive workplace culture.

Consider the tasks you give to new and young workers and their skills, abilities, and experience. Before a young person begins work, a PCBU should:

• identify the gaps in the worker's knowledge and assess their ability to work safely (competency should be tested)
• not accept a young worker's assurance that they are experienced and competent.

It's important for young workers to actively participate in the way work health and safety is managed. This means taking induction and training seriously, using the risk management process for work tasks, and asking for help before starting a task they're not familiar with or comfortable carrying out. Young workers should have an understanding of workplace risks, particularly the tasks being undertaken and how these risks are controlled.