Waste and Recycling Transport Industry Inspections

admin • October 2, 2024

The regulator has declared that inspectors will commence visits to recognized workplaces in the sector starting this week, focusing on safety concerns related to loading and unloading, vehicle upkeep, and load securing. Sadly, since 2019, eight truck drivers and waste collectors involved in waste and recycling transportation have lost their lives, primarily due to vehicles rolling away or being involved in collisions. Among these heart-breaking incidents are two workers who were tragically crushed between their trucks and brick walls in separate occurrences: one in St Albans in July 2021 and the other in Melbourne's CBD in June 2023. Beyond these fatalities, over 400 truck drivers and garbage collectors in the waste and recycling industry have sustained serious injuries warranting workers compensation over the past five years. The most prevalent causes of injury include body stress, falls, being struck by moving objects, and incidents involving vehicles.

WorkSafe Executive Director of Health and Safety Sam Jenkin said the transportation of waste carried unique risks that employers must take every reasonable step to control. "Workers in the waste transport sector often work in confined conditions with unpredictable loads that can become unstable, while improper maintenance can lead to damaged vehicles, skips, bins and lifting gear – putting workers and others at risk," Mr Jenkin said.

The focus on waste management transport is part of a wider WorkSafe push to improve safety in the heavy vehicle transport industry, through strategic visits, compliance and enforcement, and industry partnerships.

For More Information: https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/news/2024-10/inspections-put-spotlight-waste-transport-harm



Working in the cold

By admin • July 27, 2026
When Winter sweeps across Victoria, temperatures can drop sharply, especially in regional areas and early mornings. For outdoor workers, or those in cold storage and refrigerated environments, these conditions aren’t just uncomfortable, they can be dangerous if not managed properly. Working in a cold environment can lead to: Hypothermia : when body temperature drops below safe levels. Frostbite : damage to skin and tissue from freezing. Reduced dexterity : making tasks harder and increasing risk of incidents. Slips and falls : from ice, frost, or wet surfaces. Fatigue : as the body works harder to stay warm. Increase in prevalence of other conditions: such as arthritis and bronchitis. Under the Victorian Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (The Act), employers must provide a safe working environment. This includes: Identifying cold-related hazards. Implementing control measures to eliminate or reduce the risk as far as reasonably practicable. Follow a risk management process in relation to the hazard. Consult with your workforce throughout the process. When you have identified that you have a cold hazard in your workplace, you must control the risk as far as reasonably practicable. As, always this means working through the Hierarchy of Control from top to bottom. Here are some ways you could think about controlling the cold hazard in your workplace: Eliminate: Think about changing work scheduling if weather is extreme. Substitute: Think about whether you could move the work to another location. Isolate: Protect the workers from the cold, for example by providing shelter. Engineer: Can you provide heating or insulation in this work situation? Administrative controls: Could include changes to the workflow or rosters. Training must be provided, including training in the signs of cold stress and treatment. PPE: Such as weatherproof clothing, hats, face covers, boots, and allowing for drying or replacement of gear.  Don’t forget that, under The Act, Consultation must be undertaken at every step of the process. Monitoring of the controls must also occur, especially as conditions change. Frosts and wind chill factor should be taken into account, as well as seasonal or unexpected weather changes. Cold conditions in Victoria can be managed with the right planning, clothing, and awareness. Employers and workers share the responsibility to ensure everyone stays safe, warm, and healthy through the winter months. Health and safety representatives are a key part of the co-operative process required to create safe workplaces. For more information on this topic, take a look at: Cold - OHS Reps Extreme cold | Comcare For specific guidance regarding cold storage facilities: Safe operation of cold storage facilities: A handbook for workplaces | WorkSafe Victoria

ATVs on Farms

By admin • July 15, 2026
If you’ve spent any time on a Victorian farm, you know the quad bike is as common as the gum tree. It’s the workhorse that gets you from the dairy shed to the back paddock in minutes. But while ATVs save time and effort, they also carry serious risks, especially when safety takes a back seat. Studies have found that rollover and crush protection on quad bikes is saving lives, particularly in Victoria, where farm fatalities have been steadily declining. Yet, despite these improvements, quad bike incidents remain one of the leading causes of death and injury on Australian farms. Quad bikes (also called ATVs) are incredibly useful for mustering livestock, carrying supplies, and navigating rough terrain. But their stability can be deceptive, with uneven ground, high speeds, or heavy loads easily leading to rollovers. In Victoria, WorkSafe data shows that most fatal incidents involve the bike overturning and trapping the rider. Since October 2021, the national quad bike safety standard has required: Operator Protection Devices (OPDs) to reduce crush injuries in rollovers. Minimum stability requirements for new models. Warning labels about rollover risks. Victoria has been ahead of the curve, with strong farm safety campaigns and subsidies to help farmers retrofit OPDs. Practical Safety Tips for Victorian Farmers Always Wear a Helmet . Even at low speeds, head injuries can be fatal. Fit a Crush Protection Device . These can prevent you from being pinned under the bike. Match the Bike to the Job . Don’t overload or tow beyond the manufacturer’s limits. Ride to the Conditions . Slow down on slopes, wet ground, or unfamiliar tracks. Never Carry Passengers . Unless the ATV is specifically designed for more than one rider. Training Matters . Enrol in an accredited ATV safety course to sharpen your skills and make sure all operators have adequate training to operate the vehicle. Don’t forget that the employer has a duty to provide information, instruction and training to ensure that employees can work safely. Review the terrain before undertaking the task . Some areas of the farm may need to be strictly off-limits for ATV use. Look at alternative options . Some farmers are switching to side-by-side vehicles (SSVs), whic h offer seatbelts and roll cages. While not risk-free, they can be safer for certain tasks, provided operators still follow safety protocols. ATVs are here to stay on Victorian farms, but so is the responsibility to use them safely. With the right equipment, training, and by keeping safety front-of-mind you can make sure your quad bike remains a tool, not a threat. If you’re a Victorian farmer, check your quad bike today. Is it fitted with a crush protection device? Are you wearing a helmet every ride? Safety isn’t just about compliance, it’s about coming home at the end of the day.  For more information, take a look at: New study finds safety protection on quad bikes is driving down farm deaths - ABC News How the new national quad bike safety standard affects farmers in Victoria | WorkSafe Victoria