Agsafe

WorkSafe Victoria has urged all companies that use forklifts to get a copy of a new safety poster that graphically highlights the dangers of people working near forklifts.

 

WorkSafe made the call in response to a sudden rise in forklift-related deaths and injuries, including two fatalities since November.

 

In recent months, two workers have died and another two were seriously hurt. WorkSafe has also been notified of a number of near-misses involving loads falling from forklifts or people being struck by forklifts.

 

“Given the strong focus on forklift safety over the past few years – and the corresponding drop in deaths and injuries – we believed the message was getting through,” said WorkSafe Director, Ross Pilkington.

 

“Until November, there had not been a forklift-related fatality in more than a year. Now, two people have lost their lives in a two-month period which is of real concern and reminds us all that we can never become complacent because of the disastrous consequences.”

 

Mr Pilkington said forklifts posed a danger to forklift operators, truck drivers and people working around them.

 

“In particular, there have been many incidents involving people helping direct a forklift driver, particularly during the loading and unloading of trucks. They have been hit by the forklift or had the forklift load fall on them.

 

“Unfortunately, we know this sort of thing happens everyday. But the very act of ‘helping out’ close to the machine and the load is one that must not be offered as it can – and does – result in death.”

 

WorkSafe has produced two posters aimed at keeping forklift safety at front of mind. With the tagline of ‘forklifts and people don’t mix’, the messages are that ‘helping out is not worth the risk’ and ‘don’t assume you will be seen’.

 

The posters can be ordered through the WorkSafe Advisory Service on 1800 136 089 or downloaded from worksafe.vic.gov.au/forklift