Victorian businesses urged to prioritise forklift safety

Victorian Businesses Urged to Prioritise Forklift Safety

WorkSafe reminds businesses to make forklift safety a priority after more than 140 workers were injured in forklift incidents in 2022.

WorkSafe said, "Forklifts offer a practical way to lift and stack heavy loads but are also one of the most hazardous pieces of plant found in Victorian workplaces."

"More workplace injuries and deaths involve forklifts than any other type of plant but can be avoided if employers put safety first and ensure their machinery and systems of work are fit for purpose."

Forklift Injury Statistics in Victoria

According to WorkSafe, a total of 142 workers made claims for forklift-related injuries in 2022. Workers across transport, postal and warehousing filed 45 claims, manufacturing recorded 35, whilst wholesale trade logged 32 claims.

Transport-related incidents remain a leading cause of forklift injury, alongside manufacturing sites where heavy plant operates in close proximity to staff. WorkSafe data shows eight Victorian workers have been killed in forklift-related incidents over the last four years.

Managing Hazards Around Forklift Plant

Businesses operating forklift plant face ongoing hazards, particularly where transport routes intersect with pedestrian walkways. Identifying these hazards early allows employers to implement effective control measures before incidents occur.

Manufacturing sites and transport hubs carry elevated risk due to constant plant movement, making hazard identification and risk control a continuous responsibility rather than a one-off exercise.

Reducing risk requires more than compliance on paper. Businesses should regularly review their control measures, train staff on safe forklift operating practices, and ensure plant maintenance schedules are followed without exception.

Where to Find Further Information

Employers seeking additional information on managing forklift risk can consult WorkSafe Victoria's official resources, which outline practical steps for reducing hazards across transport, manufacturing and warehousing sectors.

For businesses looking to strengthen their broader safety culture, resources such as workplace safety awareness initiatives and comparable guidance from other states, including safety measures urged for SA farmers around powerlines, offer useful context for building safer operations.

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