Ray Buckland is 54 and had been employed with BGC Transport as a long distance road train driver for approximately 13 years.
A loyal and devoted employee Ray had always enjoyed his job and wanted to continue doing what he loved best until at least 70 years of age.

As part of Ray's daily duties he was required to open tarpaulins positioned over the width of his truck with the use of a long handle. Over time, the opening mechanism of the tarpaulins became harder and harder to use and eventually caused a significant injury to his neck, arms and shoulders.

Despite Ray having reported the defective mechanisms to his employer nothing was done.
Ray eventually had to make a workers' compensation claim and go under the surgeon's knife.
The injury impacted heavily on Ray's life and took away his ability to continue working . Confronted with such a gloomy outlook Ray came to the TWU seeking help and was sent to the union's lawyers, Slater & Gordon.

We advised Ray about his workers' compensation claim and about suing his employer as a result of the defective mechanism that led to his injury. Ray did not want his employer to get away with what had happened to him. And he also had concerns for other drivers who may be put into the same position.

With our help Ray's case against his employer was taken to the District Court of Western Australia. After a long protracted fight his claim was settled and Ray received fair compensation in damages for his injuries.
Ray did not want to fight his employer in vain and throughout his ordeal he always had his fellow colleagues in mind. The veteran truckie recommends that all defects in vehicle and equipment operated by his fellow transport workers be reported in writing. Workers should also ensure these defects are fixed to avoid the circumstances Ray found himself in.

Too many transport workers are thrown on the unemployment scrap heap in their 50's due to the tough job they do.

Don't accelerate physical disability and premature retirement by continuing to do a job that is harming your body.

You only get one body, and once it is stuffed, so are you.