Apr 20th 2021 |
Tuesday 20th April 2021
Safety News Roundup: Tuesday 20th April 2021
This week's safety bulletin covers two important industry alerts: a forklift safety warning from NT Worksafe following recent tipping incidents, and rising figures on distracted driving reported by the RAA. Both stories highlight the ongoing need for vigilance among workers and drivers alike, on Tuesday and every day of the working week.
Forklift Owners and Operators Issued with Safety Alert
A new safety alert has been issued by NT Worksafe following two forklift incidents that occurred recently in the Darwin area.
The Safety Alert reinforces and reminds forklift operators, workers, and owners how to minimise risk of injury from tipping over, especially with heavy and elevated loads of large dimensions, particularly on uneven grounds.
Outlined in the alert are safe work procedures that should be followed to prevent these incidents from occurring.
- A forklift safety campaign has commenced by Worksafe Inspectors, focussing on businesses in the construction industry that supply materials.
- Information and advice on safe use and hazards of using forklifts will be provided to these businesses and other duty holders by Worksafe Inspectors this April.
- Workplace Inspectors will return in May to monitor whether businesses comply with safe management practices using forklifts, checking safe systems of work, forklift operator licences, and forklift maintenance logs.
Read the original article on the NT WorkSafe website.
Distracted Driver Figures on the Rise, According to RAA
The Royal Automobile Association (RAA) has issued a warning due to the number of drivers being caught off guard behind the wheel.
Police figures have increased 15 per cent since 2017 for fines issued to motorists failing to maintain proper control of their vehicles.
Senior RAA manager of safety and infrastructure notes these fines are separate from mobile phone offences:
"Unlike illegal use of a mobile phone, these fines are issued to drivers for behaviour like doing their make-up, using an electric razor, brushing their teeth or reading a book when behind the wheel," he said. "Drivers should avoid doing anything that takes their attention away from the road."
1238 drivers were fined by police last year, totalling over $316,000 — up from 1078 fines and $256,000 in 2017. In 2020, 684 motorists were cautioned for the offence.
On Good Friday, footage circulated of a motorist reading a book while driving on Port Wakefield Road at Globe Derby Park, sparking fresh concern about attention lapses on the road.
A stern reminder was issued that drivers should focus solely on the task at hand, and must remember they risk not just a fine or caution, but potentially their lives and safety of other road users.
Read the original article on The Advertiser's website.
More Safety News This Month
For further updates published around this date, browse our related safety bulletins below:
Staying informed on incidents like these helps businesses and drivers reduce risk today, and build safer habits for the future.
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