The industrial estate where the accident occured

A 38-year-old factory worker was crushed to death by a forklift in an aluminium-working factory near Pordenone on Tuesday morning, in the latest in a spate of fatal workplace accidents in Italy.

According to the ANSA news agency, the man was driving the forklift when it suddenly overturned and crushed him in the plant at San Vito al Tagliamento.

He was rushed to hospital but died of his injuries there.

The forklift and the area of the accident have been cordoned off by police.

The agency notes that Italy has seen a rash of workplace deaths in the last month, prompting a call for improved workplace safety from Premier Mario Draghi. Over 2,000 additional workplace safety inspectors will be hired, adding to the 4,500 now on duty, he said.