Two workers have died within 24 hours, one is still missing and another has been transported to hospital with life threatening injuries in a series of horrific workplace incidents across the state.

The recent incidents bring Victoria’s workplace toll for the year to 21, with five of those occurring in the past 11 days.

The latest fatality happened today at a boat manufacturing business in Campbellfield about 2.30pm when a 26-year-old worker sustained fatal head injuries when a 150kg piece of machinery fell on him from an overhead crane. The man died in hospital.

Last night about 11pm, a road worker died after he was run-over by a reversing street sweeping truck on Canterbury Road in Bayswater. It is understood the man was directing traffic when the sweeper hit him.

Meanwhile, a 37-year-old man has been transported to hospital with life-threatening injuries after he was crushed while undergoing repair works on a dock leveller at a Laverton North company about 1.30pm today.

And WorkSafe investigators have today joined emergency workers at Melbourne Water's Eastern Treatment Plant near Carrum after a 52-year-old sub-contractor carrying out routine sampling works at 7:15am failed to return from the tank area.

Police are working with CFA and other emergency agencies to attempt to find the man.

The latest incidents marked a horror month in Victorian workplaces where last week:

• A 73-year-old farmer died after he was gored by a bull near Alexandra on 21 November;
• A 45-year-old man died after a cherry picker collapsed with a man on board at Lara last Thursday;
• A 46-year-old man died after he was crushed by a vehicle at a factory in Westmeadows last Friday.

While WorkSafe continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incidents, Health and Safety Executive Director, Ian Forsyth, said the past two weeks had been a grim reminder of the importance of workplace safety.

“Christmas is traditionally about spending time with loved ones and we want to ensure this happens. Every worker deserves to go home at the end of the day. Tragically, 21 workers so far this year didn’t get that opportunity,” he said.

“The devastating consequences of a workplace incident are not only felt by the individual, but by the family, friends and the wider community and can last a lifetime.”

Mr Forsyth urged workplaces to remain extra vigilant in the lead up to Christmas, with December being one of the busiest periods for most industries.

“What we have is an influx of young workers about to start work, industries such as hospitality and retail entering their peak season and other businesses finishing off large amounts of work before long term breaks are taken,” he said.

“Unfortunately, when businesses are flat out trying to keep up with demanding workloads, health and safety requirements can sometimes be compromised.”

“We want employers and workers to question what is at stake if corners are cut. It’s simply not worth it.”

“We’re calling on Victorian workplaces to stop, think and take action about improving safety. Simple steps make a real difference to individuals, families and businesses.”

“We’re talking about general basic matters that can be fixed at little or no cost, but if left undone can have devastating consequences.”

WorkSafe relaunches its successful ‘Homecomings’ campaign on December 11 to help highlight the fact that the most important reason for making a workplace safe is not at work at all.

The campaign shows a young boy bouncing his basketball while waiting outside for his dad to come home as his mum grows increasingly nervous about her husband’s whereabouts.

The ‘Homecomings’ campaign ends on January 7. For health and safety guidance, please visit: www.worksafe.vic.gov.au