Mr Nevill was killed in a workplace accident in Hepburn Springs last Tuesday evening when he attempted to climb into a moving truck.

Nicknamed "CG" for Colin George, the self-employed truck contractor was at his place of business in Hepburn Springs when the accident took place.

Workplace Victoria spokesperson, Michael Birt, said Workplace Victoria was able to work out reasonably quickly what happened.

"He backed a prime mover to the trailer and attached it," Mr Birt said.

"The truck's trailer brakes were applied, but the handbrake in the prime mover was not.

"The weight of the prime mover caused a build-up of air pressure in the system, which has released the brakes in the trailer.

"He has tried to stop it and has fallen and gone underneath."

Mr Birt said friends who were present at the time got a forklift and lifted the truck off him and worked on him until an ambulance arrived.

"We can understand people wanting to protect their investments, but doing that can be at great peril for the person, their family and friends," he said.

"We find these sorts of things can happen to very experienced people, particularly in regional areas."

Mr Birt said there were 25 workplace deaths in Victoria last year, half of which occurred in regional areas.

"In the last five financial years in the Hepburn Shire, 178 people have lodged worker's compensation claims, with treatment and costs of over $3 million.

"178 injuries is significant - that's almost one each week."

He said the accident was a warning for both self-employed and employed people to stop and think about the sorts of hazards in their particular workplace.

"I understand friends were present when it happened. My condolences to them and his family," he said.

Family and friends have posted tributes in today's paper.

"Everyone who knew you loved you Colin. You're a man's man. My heart bleeds for Cheryl and your family," said Untold, a friend of more than 40 years.

"CG, you will be greatly missed by many but forgotten by none old buddy," says another.

His wife Cheryl wrote: "Little did I know that morning, the heartache that would come. The love of my life is gone. One day we will be together forever."

Mr Nevill's funeral will be held at 2pm this Friday at the Anglican Church, Central Springs Road, Daylesford.