Emergency crews were called to a truck depot on Main Street in Hepburn Springs about 7pm, following reports the man was trapped.

Police said the man was in the yard when a semi-trailer rolled from where it was parked, then pinned him against some machinery and rolled over the top of him.

More than a dozen devastated friends, family and workers watched on in shock as emergency crews worked to free the man.

Worksafe spokesperson Michael Birt said the man was a self-employed owner-operator and had attached the prime mover to the loaded trailer prior to the accident.

He said investigators believe the truck’s trailer brakes were applied, but the handbrake in the prime mover was not.

“It started rolling forward and he’s tried to get into the truck to apply the brake, but it rolled on top of him and crushed him,” he said.

“The transport industry is a very big one in regional areas, particularly in the Ballarat region, and it’s important to ensure brakes are always applied.”

Mr Birt said the accident was a tragedy for all involved.

“It’s the sort of thing that could happen anywhere,” he said.

“Trying to get into moving vehicles is a very high risk – we’ve seen that with tractors and now trucks.”

Mr Birt said the tragedy should remind transport company operators – large and small – to take extra care around their trucks.

“The big issue is that owner-drivers and commercial transport companies should all realise that this is the sort of thing that can happen to anyone at any time,” he said.

“The message is to look after your workmates and if you need advice, contact Worksafe.”

Worksafe statistics show since 2002, 34 workplace deaths have occurred in the month of January - second only to November with 35.

Mr Birt said the figures were surprising because many people take time off in January, but said it could be a concentration issue.

“Perhaps people are not as focused as they are for the rest of the year (after) coming back from time-off,” he said.

For more information on workplace safety, visit www.worksafe.vic.gov.au.