The worker was struck by the forklift just after he walked into a Port Melbourne warehouse.
A transport and logistics company has been fined $40,000 after a worker’s leg was crushed by a forklift.
The accident happened in May 2020 when a truck driver walked into a Port Melbourne warehouse used by Searoad Logistics Pty Ltd.
Shortly before the worker entered via an open roller door, a forklift was driven out of the warehouse through the same door.
As the worker continued along a pedestrian walkway inside the building, the forklift reversed back into the warehouse, hitting the man and crushing his left leg.
WorkSafe investigated the incident and found Searoad Logistics could have implemented physical barriers to stop workers who were using the walkways from walking into areas in which forklifts were operating.
The work safety watchdog also found the company could have minimised safety risks by having a traffic management plan in place.
Searoad Logistics faced the Melbourne Magistrates Court on September 28 and pleaded guilty to one charge under the Occupational Health and Safety Act of failing to ensure the workplace was safe.
Searoad Logistics was fined $40,000 without conviction and ordered to pay an additional $9870 in costs.
WorkSafe executive director health and safety Narelle Beer said forklifts were dangerous and there was “simply no excuse” for companies that did not ensure their worksites were as safe as possible.
“That means ensuring that traffic management plans are in place and up to date, and that anyone entering the workplace is properly inducted on safety — as well as practical things such as installing barriers to separate pedestrians from moving plant,” she said.
Source: 7News
