This industry includes:
- road, rail and water transport, of both freight and passengers
- transport support services
- warehouse and storage services
- postal and courier services.
Road transport is one of the industries identified as a national priority for prevention activities in the Australian Work Health and Safety Strategy.
Occupations in this industry include:
- truck, bus, rail and delivery drivers
- postal workers
- couriers
- storepersons.
Common hazards and injuries
This industry accounts for the second highest number of deaths amongst all industries.
Most of the work-related deaths and injuries in this industry are a result of vehicle accidents.
Workers in this industry are likely to be injured at work due to:
- body stressing
- sips, trips and falls
- being hit by moving objects.
Other common hazards that workers in this industry are exposed to include:
- hazardous manual tasks such as moving heavy or awkward loads, securing loads
- falls from height when loading or unloading
- being hit by a forklift or another vehicle while on foot
- fatigue
- sedentary work.
Some solutions
- Provide training and instruction in safe manual handling procedures.
- Fit vehicles with handrails and/or non-slip access ladders or steps.
- Maintain good housekeeping to ensure there are no obstructions or trip hazards on floors or in store areas.
- Set realistic work schedules and deadlines.
- Encourage workers to use their breaks to stretch and move.
WorkSafe Tasmania resources
Other resources
Guide for managing the risk of fatigue at work: Safe Work Australia