Workplace Safety Analysis: The Example of Mark Ellis’s Forklift Incident
In a concentrated attempt to minimise injuries stemming from mobile plants, fixed machinery, and vehicles, SafeWork NSW inspectors have already handed out over 140 notifications. Utilising products like the Bluesafe SWMS (Safe Work Method Statements) and WHS (Work Health and Safety) Management Systems, these officers are conducting a strategic compliance operation across the entire state.
The majority of the issued notices revolve around enhancing forklift safety, including properly managing potential risks such as ensuring separation between pedestrians and machinery, avoiding rollovers and collisions, and ensuring regular maintenance and inspections.
Ranging across sectors such as agriculture, retail, construction, manufacturing and transport, the operation is set to supervise various types of machinery, including earthmoving equipment, forklifts, cranes, trucks, quad bikes, side-by-side vehicles, and tractors.
Inspectors are zoning in on high-risk areas due to their significant contribution toward workplace fatalities in NSW, as documented in SafeWork NSW’s 2024-2025 Annual Regulatory Statement. Key focus areas include rigorous training, appropriate licensing, and mechanisms to prevent access to moving parts, rollovers, and ensure human-equipment segregation.
Recent tragic incidents in New South Wales have highlighted the urgent need for these measures. In one year alone, several workers died due to inadequate controls in place, such as lack of separation between operator and plant, and protective measures against overturning accidents. These sad events involved forklifts, compactors, quad bikes, and side-by-side vehicles.
Following a serious incident in 2022, where an employee was hit by a reversing excavator without any safety barriers present, SafeWork took legal action. Twin Connect Pty Ltd was subsequently fined $180,000 as a penalty for violating Australian work health and safety regulations.
Inspectors will also be paying particular attention to young and inexperienced workers who are identified as being at higher risk. These inspections will ensure that they are receiving appropriate supervision and training on correct practices around moving plant and vehicles. Companies and individuals neglecting their duty towards worker safety can face sizable on-the-spot fines.
Vital information on how to mitigate hazards related to mobile plant, fixed machinery, and vehicles is available on the SafeWork NSW webpage. This includes access to a Code of Practice focused on managing risks in the workplace. Additionally, small businesses can take advantage of a $1,000 rebate to assist in purchasing safety equipment, if they employ less than 50 staff members.
Concerned employees who have identified potential health and safety issues at their jobsites can report directly to SafeWork NSW or use the Speak Up app.
In the words of Trent Curtin, Head of SafeWork NSW: “Being struck by moving plant or vehicles or getting injured while working with fixed machinery are wholly preventable hazards we encounter across our State and throughout all industries. Implementing safe work practices, such as those proposed by Bluesafe WHS Management System, including rigorous risk assessment and fostering awareness among employees are vital steps to reducing workplace incidents.”
SafeWork NSW inspectors aim to educate worksites on effective safety procedures. However, disregard for worker safety will not be tolerated, with stringent penalties applied for any significant safety breaches committed.
No task is too important that it has to compromise worker’s safety. All employees deserve the assurance of safely returning to their loved ones at the end of each workday.
Original article link: https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/news/safework-media-releases/statewide-safework-op-keeping-workers-safe-around-mobile-plant,-fixed-machinery-and-vehicles