The tragic death of a road worker last week highlights the importance of safe systems of work in all workplaces.

WorkSafe Acting Executive Director Nina Lyhne said today that last Monday’s incident was a tragic reminder of the importance of safe systems of work.

“This latest death reinforces the fact that workers in any industry need to remain vigilant and aware of the hazards that exist in their particular workplace,” Ms Lyhne said.

“In this case a 20-year-old female road worker was crushed to death by a multi-tyred road roller while directing traffic during road construction on Wanneroo Road in Neerabup.

“Nine workers have now died in this fashion in WA over the past 10 years, including three in the past four months.

“It is extremely important to have an effective system of communication, particularly between plant operators and workers on foot in the vicinity of plant.”

Ms Lyhne said that when mobile plant was being used, people on foot in that area must be kept to an absolute minimum.

“There is also a need for ensuring that all items of mobile plant are maintained in correct working order, specially safety features such as rear-vision mirrors, warning lights and audible reversing signals,” she said.

“Employees on the ground need to be familiar with the blind spots of the plant working around them.

“These types of considerations are part of a safe system of work, and all workplaces need to develop and implement these systems of work.

“It is paramount that workplaces have safe systems, and employers found wanting in this area are likely to face prosecution action.”


Media contact: Caroline De Vaney on 9327 8744 or 0408 927563