Trucking company fined after worker pinned under axle

A national transport business has been fined $48,000 after a worker suffered serious injuries when the axle of a B‑double trailer fell from a jack while undergoing maintenance.

Joe Cahill (Australia) Pty Ltd was sentenced, without conviction, in the Sunshine Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 20 February after pleading guilty to one charge of failing to maintain a safe system of work.

The company was also ordered to pay costs of $6993.

In February 2023 the worker was removing and replacing an axle, weighing approximately 350 kilograms, which was being supported by a single hydraulic bottle jack after the jack stands had been removed.

The worker was climbing out from underneath the trailer when the bottle jack and axle toppled, pinning him to the concrete floor.

Hearing screams, a co-worker ran to a nearby forklift and used it to lift the axle off the worker. The worker’s right arm was crushed and punctured at the elbow and he required surgery and approximately two months off work.

WorkSafe’s investigation found there was no documented system in place for the removal and refitting of axles on semi-trailers, or a requirement to use additional support structures to ensure the axles did not fall during the process.

The court found it was reasonably practicable for the company to maintain a system of work that prohibited anyone from working or placing any part of their body under a vehicle or trailer being supported by a bottle jack; and that required hydraulic bottle jacks only be used to lift a vehicle or trailer, never to hold it in place, support and bear its weight.

WorkSafe Executive Director of Health and Safety Sam Jenkin said it was up to employers to ensure formal procedures were in place to manage the risks when working on heavy vehicles.

“This worker has sadly suffered horrific injuries in an incident that could have easily been prevented if his employer had taken sufficient care,” Mr Jenkin said.

“Working underneath raised vehicles comes with inherent risks, but the ways to manage them are well known and low cost so there are absolutely no excuses for employers that fail to take the necessary steps to keep workers safe.”

To reduce the risks associated with working on vehicles employers should:

• Ensure appropriate safe systems of work are in place and that these are regularly monitored, reviewed and, if necessary, revised.
• Ensure operators are instructed, trained or supervised in the safe use of equipment.
• Ensure machinery and equipment, such as hoists, trolley jacks and axle stands are well maintained, regularly serviced and only used for their intended purpose.
• When working with hoists or trolley jacks, ensure safe working loads are not exceeded – reduce load of vehicles prior to placing on a hoist or trolley jack by emptying the vehicle of heavy items.
• Consider heavy vehicle accessories which may alter the vehicles centre of gravity.
• Always apply the hand brake and place vehicle in park or neutral when a vehicle is on a hoist or jack.
• Always ensure the ground is firm, flat and even.
• Identify the lifting point to correctly position the jack under the vehicle.
• Transfer the vehicle to axle stands when the vehicle is raised to the required height.
• When working alone – plan ahead, inform others of your whereabouts and check in regularly.

If you require WHS assistance, or have any questions regarding Work Health and Safety please contact Quintin Robinson on quintin.​robinson@​sabusinesschamber.​com.​au