 Worksafe's executive director John Merritt says separating pedestrians and forklifts is a basic safety issue often ignored in Victorian workplaces. |
A man was injured at work this week after tripping and being hit by a forklift in South Clayton.
Aged in his 20s, the man was walking beside a forklift carrying 660kg of stone cladding and balancing it when he tripped. The forklift was unable to stop in time, hitting the man, who sustained serious leg injuries.
WorkSafe has issued a safety improvement notice requiring changes to work practices.
According to executive director John Merritt, separating pedestrians and forklifts is a basic safety issue often ignored in Victorian workplaces.
"This is not hard. Loads must be properly secured so that people do not need to balance them.
"There is no shortage of fatalities or serious and permanent injuries caused by loads falling from forklifts or pedestrians being hit by these machines.
"If you have a problem meeting this obligation, consult the workforce, use some of WorkSafe's forklift safety guidance material or call the advisory service on 1800 136 089."
Yesterday's incident happened less than a day after the launch of a new WorkSafe campaign promoting workplace safety.
WorkSafe inspectors are active in workplaces where forklifts are used, and this presence will increase in the lead-up to Christmas.
Forklift safety information can be found at
www.worksafe.vic.gov.au.
Publications include 'Forklift safety- Reducing the risk', 'A guidebook of industrial traffic management and forklift safety', 'Purchasing or hiring a safe and efficient forklift' and 'Forklift safety checklist'.
Forklift drivers should also check that they have a current licence to perform high-risk work. The licence replaces the old Certificate of Competency or Ticket.
The licence is renewed every five years and can be used nationally. It is intended to ensure skills levels are maintained and to reduce the incidence of fraud.
Old certificates issued before 31 March 1995 have now expired and must be renewed.