About: IR News

News and background about industrial relations in Australia.

Sunday, April 08, 2007

Desperate Move by Preston Motors

In a desperate move today (Thurs 5 April) Preston Motors cut through their own electric fence to move parts via an access road along the Upfield railway line. Eyewitnesses report seeing a convoy exitting the yard swinging onto the narrow and rough unsealed road adjancent the Upfield rail line. Their is no traffic barrier between the track and the railway cutting and one of the trucks nearly tipped over close to the edge of the cutting, this poses a huge safety concern as suburban trains travel in both directions along the single line. Preston Motor's actions could have resulted in either the cancellation of train services or a serious accident.

Union members in rail were informed and train company Connex reportedly rang Preston Motors warning of legal action if vehicles moved along the road again.

Due to the safety issues involved Workcover are investigating the incident and have issued an order preventing Preston Motors using the route again. The Hume council are also looking into the incident.

Tracks leading out from fence behind Preston Motors (notice how close track on left is to the railway cutting)


Point where fence was cut


Contractor repairing top wires on electric fence
 
 

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