WorkCover NSW is investigating an incident in which a 56-year-old man was struck by a moving forklift at a leather warehouse in Gunnedah last month, sustaining serious head injuries.

General manager of WorkCover's OHS division, John Watson, says the incident serves as an unfortunate reminder to ensure that adequate safety precautions are taken when working with and around forklifts and pedestrians.

"Forklifts and other mobile plant that are being driven through walkways always have the potential to put workers and others at risk.

"Effective traffic management procedures must be in place where forklifts are in operation, including zones to separate pedestrians and forklifts during loading and unloading.

"Incidents involving forklifts are avoidable and constant attention must be paid when working with and around these machines.

"Extreme care must also be taken when pedestrians and other workers are around, including travelling at a safe speed and ensuring that the operator has a clear view of the direction that they are travelling at all times."

When working with or around forklifts:

* ensure adequate traffic management, including the safety of pedestrians and bystanders;
* plan for the task and ensure the right equipment is being used for the load;
* forklifts must be correctly maintained and operated in accordance with the designer's and manufacturer's instruction ;
* forklift operators must be correctly certified and have the correct training for the particular forklift.

"I urge all businesses across the state to review their work procedures and consult with their staff around the safe use of forklifts," says Watson.