Forklift operator charged over worker death

Forklift Operator Charged Over Worker Death

A Victorian forklift operator has been charged following a 2021 fatal workplace incident, WorkSafe has confirmed.

WorkSafe said the man operated a forklift with an unsecured load when that load fell and fatally struck another worker.

Charges Laid Under Victoria's OHS Act

The 52-year-old faces two charges under Victoria's OHS Act for engaging in conduct that endangered the life of another worker and failing to take care of other people at the workplace.

These charges highlight how seriously regulators treat breaches of workplace health and safety obligations, particularly where mobile plant operations put lives at risk. Maintaining rigorous safety standards around forklift operation remains critical for any site where heavy machinery interacts with pedestrian workers.

The forklift operator is due in court on Tuesday.

Why Load Security Matters for Workplace Safety

Incidents involving forklifts that killed or seriously injured workers often trace back to preventable failures, such as unsecured loads, inadequate training, or poor traffic management on site. Employers across Australia have a duty to ensure plant is operated safely and that risks to health are minimised wherever practicable.

Businesses seeking guidance on safe forklift use can refer to resources such as our Forklift Maintenance SWMS, which outlines practical controls for reducing hazards associated with mobile plant. A clear worker contractor manual can also help ensure all personnel, including contractors, understand site-specific safety expectations before operating equipment.

Related Enforcement Actions

This case follows a pattern of enforcement actions taken against operators and companies where safety failures have led to worker deaths. For example, an operator was fined over the death of an NT mine worker, while a mining maintenance firm was charged following a worker's death in WA. Similarly, a Victorian building regulator faced charges over a suicide death, underscoring how safety obligations extend across many sectors, not just heavy industry.

Originally published on the WorkSafe Victoria website.