With a busy harvest upcoming meaning an increase in trucks on site, Viterra is seeking the cooperation of growers and drivers to ensure a safe and successful harvest.
Truck incidents can have significant consequences, endangering the driver, our employees, people at our sites and the general public.
Viterra General Manager Health & Safety, Karina Fox says Viterra’s number one priority is to ensure everyone who attends our site returns home safely.
“We want to keep everyone safe, so it’s important to remain aware of the sort of incidents that can put people at risk, and how we can minimise them,” Karina says.
With a higher number of inexperienced workers employed during harvest, including those driving trucks, it’s important to remain alert.
“We ask drivers who are unfamiliar with our sites to understand traffic management plans and site safety rules before attending. These are available on the Viterra website,” Karina says.
“Growers can assist by confirming their staff and carriers understand and comply with these plans and rules which are unique to each site and have been designed to minimise risk.”
Uncontrolled vehicle movements, collisions with grid structures causing objects to fall, and disobeying road rules including the use of mobile phones while operating trucks, are all incidents which have occurred previously, putting the safety of those around them at risk.
“These incidents most commonly occur as a result of a momentary lapse in concentration or misjudging distance, which can happen to anyone,” Karina says.
“It is vital drivers minimise the chance of an incident occurring by maintaining appropriate visibility and awareness of their surroundings, and following the directions of Viterra employees.
“Safety is everyone’s responsibility. If unsure, stop and seek clarity or assistance before proceeding with the task.”
If a truck incident occurs, Viterra will work with the grower and driver to take appropriate and necessary steps to ensure the safety of all at sites.
Pedestrians must also remain vigilant around heavy vehicles by looking where they are walking and being aware of changing ground conditions.
More information about safety on site including traffic management plans can be accessed at viterra.com.au.