Fatal incident involving garbage truck prompts safety warning from WorkSafe Queensland

A safety alert has been issued following an incident in which a Queensland mechanic was fatally injured after being trapped in the back of a rear-loading garbage truck late last year.

The man had climbed into the compacting section of the garbage truck to fix a problem when he was fatally injured, according to the safety alert issued by WorkSafe Queensland.

Investigations into the cause of the incident are ongoing.  WorkSafe said unsafe use of plant and machinery can cause serious injury or death.

"Plant and equipment that uses hydraulics to assist in its movement has the potential to also cause serious injury or death and are used in many industries including transport, construction and manufacturing," WorkSafe stated in the alert.

WorkSafe Queensland has listed a number of safety measures to prevent similar incidents.

For more information, click here.