New safety technology will help prevent incidents involving reversing trucks in the workplace.
Victoria’s transport authority will update its road maintenance fleet with radar-based reverse braking technology in an effort to stamp out employee injuries.
The automated technology from Reverse Smart senses when an object is behind the vehicle and, if reverse is initiated, automatically applies airbrakes.
VicRoads decided to adopt the technology after trialing it on a patrol truck and tip truck for six months.
Between 2003 and 2012, Safe Work Australia says 18 workers were killed in incidents involving reversing trucks in the workplace.
VicRoads CEO John Merritt believes incidents of this nature can be avoided with the technology, which is standard in new vehicles in Europe, Japan and the US.
“Safety in the workplace is of the upmost importance and this technology will significantly improve safe working conditions for VicRoads employees,” Merritt says.
“The safety of our people and members of the public is paramount and the autonomous braking system will make a difference.”
VicRoads will share its data from the six-month trial with transport groups and fleet operators in an effort to advance its use within the industry.
“We believe this technology will significantly reduce worksite risks and we hope it will become standard across the industry,” Merritt says.
“Our dedication to workplace safety never ends and VicRoads will continue to consider any new technology which may save lives.”