The Transport Worker's Union(TWU) is calling for an investigation into the number of fatal truck crashes on NSW roads.
Six people were killed in the last 24 hours in truck related crashes calling for an investigation into the industry.
Two people were killed north of Gloucester this morning which comes after two people were killed near Sutton Forest yesterday evening and another two people were also killed at Bendemeer yesterday.
TWU National Assistant Secretary, Michael Kaine, says these incidents are tragic and says drivers are under far too much pressure to meet demands.
"This is an industry under increasing pressure, it is being squeezed by wealthy retailers and manufacturers that are cutting transport contracts to the bone and the result is drivers are working too fast and too long," Kaine said.
"The Federal Government just abolished a tribunal a year ago, a tribunal that on its own reports said that 28% of truck crashes would be reduced if the tribunal stayed in place, since the tribunal was cut by the federal government there has been a spike in horrific incidents on our roads.
Between January and March this year, deaths from trucks have increased by 7.2% compared to last year according to the Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics.
Also, 40% of all workplace deaths this year have involved transport workers according to Safe Work Australia.
"The government needs to put a body back in place that has the ability to do exactly what the one it tore down could do and that is look at the pressures that are on this industry and lift these pressures, look at the pressure put on the industry by major economic forces that are forcing transport companies to push drivers too hard," Kaine stated.
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| Source: Truck and Bus News Australia |
