Safety app to reduce injuries in road freight industry

The nature of work in the transport industry makes it a high risk for workplace fatalities and serious injuries, with SafeWork NSW’s Director of WHS Services Regional, Lisa Foley, stating that major claims for injuries are 50% greater than the average employment sector. Foley noted that injuries can occur when vehicles are loaded and unloaded; workers have also been hit by moving objects, trapped between objects and impacted by a rollaway. To reduce the risk of workplace injuries and fatalities, SafeWork NSW and Lindsay Transport have released a truck safety training tool for the onboarding and induction of workers in the NSW road freight industry, which will promote safer practices.

The augmented reality phone or online app will guide drivers through processes for entering or exiting the cabin, how to safely couple and uncouple trailers, conducting safety inspections and preventing vehicle rollaway incidents. The augmented reality application can be used in a studio mode or artificial environment, or used with the truck in place in a real-world environment.

“The format is process driven and establishes a workflow requiring the user to interact with the driver and truck wherever it is located. This training puts in place standards which will promote safe working environments. For example, before climbing into your cab or onto your vehicle you should get the mud off your shoes to stop you from slipping,” said Foley.

The app was produced as part of an enforceable undertaking with Lindsay Transport, which included a three-month radio media campaign targeting driver fatigue, speeding, use of mobile phones and uncontrolled movement of vehicles. Lindsay Australia CEO Kim Lindsay said the company worked closely with SafeWork NSW to deliver important safety messages for the industry, including developing the augmented reality app to improve training in high-risk areas.

“The transport industry is a dangerous industry — we are working with large plant and equipment on a daily basis. This free tool which supports new workers through their systems of work can only improve safety around the vehicle,” said Lindsay.

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