$15.8m bill prompts forklift safety warning

A strong warning about working safely around forklifts was issued by the Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation Victor Dominello following revelations 1360 workers were injured over two years in NSW.

The forklift incidents, including five fatalities, occurred between July 2012 and July 2014, at a reported cost of $15.8 million to the NSW workers compensation scheme.

“Creating a safe workplace should be the number one priority for every business,” said Minister Dominello.

“Workplace incidents involving forklifts often result in serious injuries and operators need to be conscious of pedestrians at all times.”

SafeWork NSW advises businesses to implement traffic management plans to reduce the risk of forklift incidents. These plans include practical rules about how and where all vehicles should be operated such as:

• separating pedestrians from forklifts by barriers and pedestrian walkways;
• reducing speed limits;
• creating parking, manoeuvring and loading areas, ‘no go’ zones, pedestrian crossings and signage.

To raise awareness of the issue, SafeWork NSW has produced a safety video and is offering rebates of up to $500 through its Small Business Rebate Program to enable local small businesses to implement safety improvements.

“We want all workers to return home safely to their families at the end of each day,” Dominello said.

For further information on forklift safety and the Small Business Rebate Program, visit www.safework.nsw.gov.au or call 13 10 50.