Report released after NSW quarry worker was injured by forklift attachment

Report Released After NSW Quarry Worker Was Injured by Forklift Attachment

A report has been released by the Resources Regulator concerning an incident on March 2, 2024, where a worker was injured after a forklift attachment collided with him in a mechanical workshop at a quarry in northeast New South Wales.

Summary: Resources Regulator news confirms that a jib, along with tynes and load guard fitted to a forklift, detached from the machine while it was being used to retrieve a damaged truck cabin. The employee, standing in front of the forklift at the time, suffered fractures to his spine and legs. This incident highlights ongoing safety concerns around forklift attachments and mechanical workshop procedures in quarrying operations across Australia.

What Happened During the Incident

According to the Resources Regulator, the jib, together with the forklift's tynes and load guard, became detached from the vehicle that was being used to retrieve a damaged truck cabin. At the moment of the incident, the worker was positioned directly in front of the forklift.

The employee sustained fractures to his spine and legs during the incident, underscoring the serious health risks associated with attachment failures on mobile plant equipment used in quarry environments.

Why This Report Matters for Safety Professionals

Incidents involving forklift attachments must be reported to relevant regulators, and this case demonstrates why robust safety protocols around load-handling equipment remain critical in quarrying and heavy industry settings. When attachments such as jibs, tynes, or load guards fail, workers positioned nearby face significant health and safety hazards.

Safety professionals across construction, manufacturing, and resources sectors should treat this news as a reminder to review inspection regimes for forklift attachments, particularly where equipment is repurposed for tasks like retrieving damaged vehicle components.

For organisations seeking guidance on managing similar risks, our Forklift LPG SWMS resource outlines safe work method statements relevant to forklift operations.

Related SafeWork NSW and Regulator News

This release follows a pattern of similar incident reports coming out of New South Wales quarries in recent months. Readers following this topic may also find value in our coverage of the initial report released following serious injury to a worker at an NSW quarry, as well as our news on the regulator's investigation findings after an NSW quarry worker was hit by a hydraulic hammer.

Another relevant case involves a report issued after an NSW worker sustained injuries while working on a mobile screen, which further illustrates recurring hazards tied to mobile plant and attachments in quarry settings.

Strengthening Health and Safety Practices in Quarrying

Employers operating forklifts and other mobile plant should ensure attachments undergo regular inspection and maintenance, consistent with SafeWork NSW guidance and broader safety obligations under work health and safety law. Documenting hazard identification and control measures remains a core part of any effective safety management system.

Supporting tools such as our Hazard Report Form and Conformance Report can help organisations formalise reporting processes when equipment faults or near-miss events occur. Employers should also consider providing clear guidance to onsite personnel through resources like our worker and contractor manuals, which help set expectations around safe operating procedures.

Read the Full Report

Read the full report here for complete details from the Resources Regulator, including findings and recommendations aimed at preventing similar incidents across NSW quarrying operations.