Dock workers have launched a fierce attack on industry bosses for trashing a proposed safety code just eight days after an employee was crushed to death on Melbourne's wharves.

Toll Shipping worker Anthony Attard, 42, was helping load cargo on board a vessel docked at the Port of Melbourne on May 20, when he was run over by a trailer. Paramedics rushed to the waterfront but could not revive him.

Died at work: Anthony Attard.

The father-of-three's death followed a recent run of accidents seriously injuring other waterside workers and sparked renewed calls for the tougher safety laws to be introduced.

''When I started, he told me, 'Have eyes at the back of your head, and keep a look out','' said Mr Attard's brother, James, who worked with him at the port. ''And he was one of the most careful guys there.