CC Freight Management Pty Ltd

Incident description:

The 15 year old step-son of a truck driver sustained fatal injuries when caught between a shipping container and a prime mover with trailer during an unloading process.

WHSQ investigation findings:

The defendant conducts a bulk container holding and transport facility. The investigation found that the teenager had attended the defendant's workplace as a 'ride-a-long' passenger with his step-father whilst on school holidays. The defendant did not have adequate systems in place to manage passengers or others accompanying drivers on their transport delivery runs.

Court result:

The defendant was found guilty and fined $12,500. No conviction was recorded.

Considerations for prevention:

Employers involved with transport and delivery of goods should adopt and implement clear and established systems of work. This will ensure that the interaction of vehicles with pedestrians and other workers is assessed and managed during the loading and unloading process.

Visit the Workplace Health and Safety Queensland website for more information on:

• powered mobile plant (e.g truck, roller, forklift)
• implementing controls or evaluating or monitoring them, and
• conducting risk assessments.