Number of work-related road fatalities cause for big concern

WORK-RELATED road accidents account for one in three occupational fatalities in Australia and 15 per cent of the national road toll, says Darwin lawyer Matthew Littlejohn.

Mr Littlejohn, from Maurice Blackburn lawyers, said issues like high mileage travel due to time pressures and poor maintenance of vehicles were of particular concern.

“Work-related road injuries are estimated to cost around $500 million per year, but it’s the human cost that’s the biggest concern,” he said.

“Reversing accidents, which are the most common types of work-related crashes, can easily be avoided with proper OH & S policies and processes.

“We want every worker to arrive home safely at the end of the day, and employers have a legal obligation to ensure that they provide the safest possible workplace.”

Mr Littlejohn said vehicles used for work purposes were considered as a workplace under Occupational Health and Safety legislation.

“Safety in and around work vehicles is therefore everyone’s legal responsibility,” he said.

On Monday, the Northern Territory Government launched Road Safety Week, hoping to reduce trauma on our roads.

Infrastructure Minister Nicole Manison has called on all Territorians to work towards the goal of zero deaths or serious injuries on our roads.