Truck driver concerns

By Callan Date
TRUCK drivers working on the Pakenham Bypass are endangering their lives in order to cart as many loads as possible, a union official says.
Peter Earle, Transport Workers Union health and safety officer, said drivers could be taking dangerous risks, including working longer than normal hours, speeding on residential roads and not safely maintaining their vehicles as well as they could in order to maximise their earnings.
The call comes only a fortnight after a truck crashed through a boomgate at the Cardinia Road level crossing and collided with a train.
Heavy vehicle traffic has increased significantly since construction began on the road improvements, which has led to some residents also voicing their concerns.
“They put their own lives in jeopardy to earn extra dollars,” Mr Earle said.
Mr Earle said many of the truck drivers are working as subcontractors for Abigroup which has been awarded the $66 million contract to build the bypass.
“The problem with the tiptruck drivers is they are at the bottom of the chain and have no bargaining power with their employees.”
He said several truck drivers had spoken about their work environment and believed it was a matter of when and not if, another major accident occurred.
“It’s putting at risk not only the truck drivers, but everyone who uses the roads in the area.”
Mr Earle said he was concerned drivers were cutting corners in an effort to make money.
“They will just try and get more loads in each day and sometimes this means they speed.”
He said drivers were also spending more money on fuel, due to the high prices, and less on essential truck maintenance, including brakes and tyres.
Charlie Broadhurst, VicRoads Pakenham Bypass project manager, said Cardinia Road is being used as a carriageway for the transportation of materials to the Pakenham Bypass.
“VicRoads contractors have an adequate number of truck drivers and are making good progress on the construction works,” Mr Broadhurst said.
He added several speed and roadwork signs had been installed at appropriate locations along the road to advise truck drivers of the altered conditions and ensure the safety of all road users.
Abigroup corporate communications manager Janine Sherringham said the truck involved in the Cardinia Road crash was employed by a subcontractor who is working for Abigroup.
She said the company could not comment on the specific contractual arrangements in place between Abigroup and the subcontractor.
“Further, we are not party to the contractual arrangements between our subcontractor and their employees or sub subcontractors,” Ms Sherringham said.
“Abigroup is conducting all operation on Pakenham Bypass, section one in accordance with its contract with VicRoads.”