Working under elevated vehicles

The purpose of this Safety Alert is to highlight the risks associated with working underneath elevated vehicles.

Background

A 24 year old worker in Katherine received serious crush injuries whilst carrying out maintenance work underneath a heavy vehicle. The vehicle suspension that was being worked on was not adequately supported, resulting in the axle assembly falling and crushing the worker.

Contributing factors

• No risk assessment was undertaken before the worker commenced maintenance work under the vehicle
• The axles were not restrained or adequately supported to eliminate the risk of a crush injury to workers under the vehicle
• The worker was working directly under the piviot bar
• The remaining wheels were not chocked to prevent them from moving.

Action required

• Workers should conduct a risk assessment before undertaking any work that exposes a worker to a hazard
• For work that is routinely carried out in the workplace, a risk assessment can help determine if any existing control measures are still effective
• Always use load supports or lifting devices with the appropriate safe work limit before conducting work under a vehicle
• All lifting devices e.g. hydraulic or pneumatic trolley jacks and load supports should have the safe working loads clearly marked
• Ensure workers are provided with appropriate information instruction and training to successfully complete the tasks without risks to health and safety.

Further information

• Model Code of Practice – Managing the risks of plant in the workplace - Safe Work Australia