Melbourne worker killed in incident involving loading of Elevated Work Platform

Melbourne Worker Killed in Incident Involving Loading of Elevated Work Platform

Victoria’s workplace safety watchdog has confirmed an investigation is underway regarding the fatality of a man at a construction site in West Melbourne last Tuesday.

Reports suggest the 44-year-old individual was thrown from a raised work platform as it fell off the tilt tray of a truck during loading, resulting in severe head injuries. This tragic event highlights the serious hazards associated with transporting an elevated work platform on a tilt-tray truck at any building site.

WorkSafe said the man later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital, reinforcing why plant transport and loading procedures demand rigorous safety controls across the construction sector.

Why Elevated Work Platform Transport Poses Serious Risk

Loading and unloading an elevated work platform onto a tilt-tray truck introduces significant risk if proper procedures aren't followed. When plant shifts unexpectedly during transport, workers nearby face hazards including crush injuries, falls, and severe head trauma.

Key hazards during EWP loading and transport include:

• Unstable positioning of plant on the tilt tray
• Inadequate securing mechanisms during transport
• Insufficient exclusion zones around loading operations
• Sloped or uneven ground affecting plant stability
• Poor communication between operators during loading

Health and Safety Obligations for Plant Transport

Employers carry health and safety duties under workplace law to identify risk factors before plant transport begins. A documented Safe Work Method Statement helps crews assess hazards, implement controls, and reduce risk of injury during high-risk tasks such as loading elevated platforms.

Businesses operating boom lifts, cherry pickers, or scissor lifts should reference platform-specific safe work method statements, including our Boom Lift/Elevated Work Platform (EWP) SWMS, Cherry Picker/Elevated Work Platform (EWP) SWMS, and Scissor Lift/Elevated Work Platform (EWP) SWMS.

Electrical and Mechanical Hazards on Site

Beyond transport-related dangers, elevated platforms carry additional electrical hazards on active construction sites. Contact with overhead power lines remains a leading cause of serious injury, particularly when scissor lift equipment operates near electrical infrastructure without adequate clearance.

Employers must ensure operators receive training on electrical hazard awareness, including safe distances from powerlines and correct isolation procedures when working near electrical assets. Combining electrical safety training with mechanical plant checks strengthens overall site safety culture and reduces preventable incidents.

Building a Culture of Safety Around Plant Operations

Preventing incidents like the West Melbourne fatality requires more than compliance paperwork — it demands genuine commitment to safety at every stage of plant handling. Pre-start checks, competent operators, and clear loading protocols all contribute toward reducing risk on site.

Similar tragedies have occurred elsewhere, underscoring the need for consistent national safety standards. Related incidents, such as a worker killed in a SA farm incident, a worker killed in an Arrowtown incident, and a worker killed in a Taranaki farm incident, demonstrate that plant-related risk extends across industries far beyond construction sites.

Businesses seeking to strengthen their safety documentation can explore resources during our National Safe Work Month 2023 Promotion, which supports employers in reviewing their safe work practices ahead of high-risk seasonal work periods.

First published here.