Man fatally struck by truck at Sydney recycling business

Man Fatally Struck by Truck at Sydney Recycling Business

A worker has died after being struck by a truck during an industrial incident at a Sydney recycling business in the city's west on Thursday evening.

Emergency responders arrived at a recycling plant in Greenacre at about 7:30pm, where the man, in his 50s, suffered an amputation that ultimately led to his death.

What Happened at the Recycling Facility

Police attended the scene outside the facility while paramedics attempted to revive him. Despite these efforts, he succumbed to his condition before further treatment could occur.

This tragic case adds to a growing list of fatal incidents reported across the manufacturing sector this year, underscoring ongoing risks tied to heavy vehicle operation near recycling and waste facilities.

Regulatory Notification and Next Steps

SafeWork NSW has been notified and will likely investigate the circumstances surrounding this fatality, consistent with standard procedure for serious incidents involving trucks or heavy machinery.

Such investigations typically examine site traffic management, vehicle exclusion zones, and whether appropriate control measures were in place at the time of the collision.

Similar Recent Incidents

Sadly, this isn't an isolated event. Other fatal incidents involving vehicles and machinery have recently made headlines, including a case where a man was fatally struck by a forklift at a Sydney warehouse, plus another where a worker was fatally struck by his own truck north of Adelaide. A further report described a man fatally crushed by a forklift at another Sydney workplace.

Why Traffic Management Matters in Recycling and Waste Facilities

Recycling businesses often involve constant movement of heavy vehicles, loaders, and machinery within tight operational spaces. Without robust traffic management plans, pedestrian workers face elevated exposure to collision risks.

Employers operating in this space should consider reviewing site-specific procedures, including:

• Clearly defined pedestrian and vehicle exclusion zones
• Regular safety audits of high-traffic areas
• Documented site inductions covering machinery movement
• Ongoing driver training for vehicle operators

Businesses across automotive and manufacturing sectors can strengthen compliance frameworks by adopting a Business Improvement Policy alongside site-specific SWMS documentation, such as the Truck and Dog Trailer SWMS, to help manage vehicle-related hazards more effectively.

For organisations seeking guidance on implementing these controls, SafetyDocs support services can assist with tailoring documentation to suit specific operational needs.

Reporting and Sources

This news was first reported by local outlets covering breaking incidents across NSW, with further updates expected as SafeWork's investigation progresses. We'll continue monitoring this story and provide updates as more news becomes available.

The original news article can be found here.