The death of a man who was hit by a truck at a recycling centre in Sydney’s west has triggered a safety warning at worksites across NSW.

An investigation has been launched after the man in his 50s died while working at the Greenacre site about 7.30pm yesterday.

Just hours earlier, a worker in his 40s was seriously injured after being crushed between two cars at a smash repair workshop in Auburn.

SafeWork NSW has issued a prohibition notice to the workplace to enforce a safer system of work when handling vehicles.

Both incidents unfolded during statewide targeted compliance operations aimed at reducing workplace injuries.

Since last month, just under 250 notices have been issued, including one street in Prestons where 12 visits were conducted over three days. These visits led to the issuance of 42 improvement notices and seven prohibition notices.

“These two serious incidents within such a short space of time are tragic and my sympathies go out to their families, friends and colleagues,” head of SafeWork NSW Trent Curtin said.

“Those working with and around mobile plant, fixed machinery and vehicles need to stop and have a look at the safety systems they have in place to prevent this from happening.”