Company forks out $40,000 for safety failures
Tasmanian Freight Services Pty Ltd was fined $40,000 in the Sunshine Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 22 November, after pleading guilty to a charge of failing to provide a safe workplace at their Laverton North branch. The company was also ordered to pay $4,037 in costs.
Advertisement
The conviction followed an improvement notice issued by WorkSafe in December 2022. Inspectors, responding to an anonymous complaint, observed multiple safety issues, including:
•Forklifts loading pallets onto a truck and pushing them toward workers on the opposite side.
•Forklifts operating within a metre of pedestrians.
•Workers crossing a yard without designated walkways, near moving forklifts.
•Pedestrian walkways obstructed by stored products.
•Lack of clearly marked “no-go zones” for forklifts.
WorkSafe inspectors revisited the site in May, July, and August 2023 and documented ongoing breaches, including:
•A truck driver confronting a forklift operator for driving too close.
•Forklifts crossing walkways as pedestrians were using them.
•Workers interacting with forklifts while walking in the warehouse and driveway.
•Faded walkways and line markings.
The court heard that these risks could have been mitigated by implementing a comprehensive traffic management plan. Measures such as maintaining a three-metre exclusion zone between forklifts and pedestrians, designated walkways, and safety zones for truck drivers were deemed reasonably practicable.
WorkSafe Executive Director of Health and Safety, Sam Jenkin, stressed the importance of separating forklifts and pedestrians in the workplace.
“Forklifts and pedestrians do not mix. If your business uses forklifts or mobile plant, an up-to-date and effective traffic management plan – and actually enforcing it – is essential,” Mr Jenkin said.
“This year alone, nearly 150 Victorian workers have required time off after being injured by forklifts. Businesses must take these risks seriously.”
Safety measures for businesses using forklifts and mobile plant:
•Implement and regularly update a traffic management plan to separate pedestrians and machinery.
•Maintain clear communication between operators, transport contractors, and ground staff.
•Use signage and barriers where necessary.
•Address visibility issues, especially in poorly lit areas.
•Ensure operators hold appropriate high-risk work licences.
•Regularly inspect and maintain machinery and vehicles.
•Consult employees and health and safety representatives about workplace safety concerns.
WorkSafe emphasised that prioritising safety is non-negotiable for employers to prevent injuries and protect workers.
