WorkCover is investigating an incident at a Glen Innes correctional facility last month which resulted in the death of a 58-year-old man.
Initial enquiries indicate that the male truck driver was tarping a load of wood on his truck when an unmanned forklift rolled down a slope and crushed him between the truck and the forklift.

John Watson, general manager of WorkCover's work health and safety division, says the incident is a tragic reminder of the risks associated with working with forklifts.

"Forklifts offer a practical materials handling solution for many businesses. Unfortunately, they are associated with numerous workplace deaths and injuries each year."

When working with or around forklifts, WorkCover recommends:
* Operating the forklift in accordance with the designer's and manufacturer's instructions, particularly in relation to: operating on uneven surfaces and inclines; the effect of different tyre types on stability; and forklift capacity at different lift heights and positions;
* Implementing traffic control measures;
* Being conscious of people working nearby.
Watson urges all businesses across the state to review their work procedures and consult with their staff about the safe use of forklifts.

"Don't wait until there's an injury or death at your workplace before developing a safe system of work to control risks."