A MAN is dead after being struck by a street sweeper in Melbourne's east last night.

The man was on a worksite on Canterbury Rd, Bayswater North when he was struck by the vehicle just before 11pm.

It is believed he was on the street when the tragedy occurred.

He died of his injuries at the scene.

WorkSafe was at the scene and police will prepare a report for the Coroner.

The man's death is the fourth workplace fatality in the past 10 days.

A 73-year-old farmer died after he was gored by a bull near Yea last Monday, a 45-year-old man died after he fell from a cherry picker at Lara last Thursday and a 46-year-old man died after he was crushed by a vehicle at a factory in Westmeadows last Friday.

WorkSafe Health and Safety Executive Director Ian Forsyth said the deaths were 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, 19 workers so far this year didn’t get that opportunity,” Mr Forsyth 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 many 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.”

Twelve of the 19 workplace fatalities this year happened in regional Victoria.

* Meanwhile, a man is fighting for his life after his van hit a tree near Ballarat last night.

Police believe the Ford van was travelling north on the Midland Hwy, Scotsburn, when it veered on to the wrong side of the road and ploughed into a tree just after 10.30pm.

The driver and sole occupant, a 25-year-old Ballarat man, was flown to The Alfred hospital with life-threatening injuries.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/worker-killed-by-street-sweeper/story-fn7x8me2-1226210740610