Safety concerns prompt union ban on grain loading

<p>The Australian Workers’ Union (AWU) has called for a ban on rail truck loading at 300 GrainCorp silos around the state &#8211 a move that could threaten New South Wales grain exports.</p> <p>The recommendation stems from safety concerns about work practices on rail trucks.</p> <p>AWU state president Mick Maddern said workers are loading grain three metres above the trucks with no safety rails, harnesses or other protective measures in place. </p> <p>The lack of safety equipment has caused a series of accidents where workers have fallen to the ground during loading, and in one case, a worker fell into the truck, Mr Maddern said.</p> <p>The AWU is meeting GrainCorp and WorkCover representatives tomorrow (Wednesday, June 12) to discuss safety improvements at the silos.</p> <p>The union wants proper safety equipment installed, but GrainCorp says this is the responsibility of FreightCorp, the owner of the rail trucks. </p> <p>Mr Maddern said WorkCover has already issued an improvement notice to GrainCorp regarding grain-loading practices.</p> <p>It is understood that some GrainCorp employees are still loading grain despite the union’s recommended ban.</p> <br />