NSW Workplaces Encouraged to Make Forklift Safety a Top Priority

SafeWork NSW is urging workplaces to prioritise safety when using mobile plant and relocating vehicles following a tragic incident in western Sydney on Tuesday morning.

A man sustained critical head injuries and passed away at the scene while operating a forklift at a warehouse. This devastating loss highlights why forklift safety must remain a top priority across every New South Wales worksite.

SafeWork NSW is conducting an investigation into the incident to determine what went wrong and how similar fatalities might be prevented in future operations.

Statewide Compliance Campaign Targets Mobile Plant Hazards

In March this year, SafeWork NSW launched a statewide compliance campaign focused on decreasing workplace injuries related to mobile plant, fixed machinery, and moving vehicles. Forklift-related incidents are among the leading cause of serious injuries and fatalities in warehouses and distribution centres across Australia.

Head of SafeWork NSW Trent Curtin said mobile machinery like forklifts have capacity to inflict severe injuries or result in death, particularly when operating in high-traffic zones where pedestrians and vehicles cross paths.

“In light of yesterday's tragic fatality at Erskine Park we are reminding everyone to take care when working with and around mobile plant,” Curtin said.

Managing Risk in Forklift Operations

Reducing risk during forklift operations requires more than a single safety campaign. Businesses need robust systems that address every stage of daily operations, from pre-start checks through to load handling and site traffic management.

Key areas that influence risk levels on site include:

• Segregation of pedestrian and forklift zones during operating hours
• Regular maintenance checks before machinery goes into operation
• Clear signage and floor markings to reduce collision risk
• Ongoing supervision of high-risk tasks near mobile plant

Employers should also consider how site layout contributes to overall risk, since congested warehouses often see higher rates of near-miss incidents involving forklifts.

Health and Safety Resources for NSW Businesses

SafeWork NSW provides guidance material and health and safety resources designed to help businesses meet their legal obligations. These resources support employers in building safer systems of work around mobile plant, particularly in high-traffic warehouse environments where forklift movements are frequent.

Businesses can also strengthen their approach to compliance with practical documentation. SafetyDocs offers guidance similar to how NSW farms are reminded to make quad bike safety a top priority, reinforcing that mobile plant hazards extend well beyond warehouse settings.

Other equipment carries similar risks. Read how WorkSafe urges workplaces to make safety a top priority when operating scissor lifts, and how Victorians are encouraged to make ladder safety a top priority during seasonal peaks.

Supporting Safer Forklift Operations

Workplaces looking to strengthen their safety documentation can explore SafetyDocs' safety software solutions, alongside resources like the Electrical Safety Policy and Electrical Safety Checklist - NZ for broader hazard management. Reviewing Workplace Safety Rules - NZ can also help businesses benchmark their current practices.

Questions about implementing these documents can be directed to our support team, who assist businesses navigating compliance requirements.

Learn more here.