Inspectors visit Wagga worksites to improve plant safety

SafeWork NSW inspectors are visiting the Wagga Wagga region to ensure businesses are managing the risks associated with loading, unloading and working around vehicles, including forklift safety. From Tuesday, 2 August to Thursday, 4 August, inspectors from SafeWork NSW will visit Wagga workplaces that have forklifts or companies sending and receiving goods.

Minister for Fair Trading Eleni Petinos said that the inspectors will be specifically looking at traffic management plans, the separation of workers and plant such as truck and forklifts and the immobilisation of vehicles, as well as focusing on forklift issues including licensing, attachments, maintenance and safe use. Petinos said that performing tasks around vehicles including loading, unloading and securing a load is the leading cause of non-driving serious injuries and fatalities in road transport and logistics.

“Many businesses are struggling with staff shortages and having to stretch their resources, so the temptation to cut corners can sometimes have tragic consequences. Our message is clear — think about safety before you operate a forklift, check the area is clear of pedestrians, the load is secure and you have enough room to use the forklift safely. These SafeWork NSW Inspector visits are all about safety and ensuring all workplaces manage risks appropriately, and protect their workforce from potential injury,” Petinos said.

The Safety Around Your Vehicle Glove Box Guide for Drivers is designed to ensure that those working in the heavy vehicle industry have access to the most up-to-date information.

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