WA transport company faces charges over worker’s severe injuries

WA Transport Company Faces Charges Over Worker's Severe Injuries

WorkSafe has charged a Western Australian transport company after a worker suffered a severe leg injury in a forklift incident in January 2021.

What Happened

The safety regulator accuses the transport company of failing to create a safe workplace, and neglecting its duty of ensuring the movement and speed of vehicles and machinery within the workplace were effectively controlled to minimise risk to pedestrians.

WorkSafe will argue that the company failed to implement effective safety measures to protect workers, leading to an unsafe work environment and serious injuries to a worker. Poor traffic management around forklift operations is a recurring theme in incidents like this one, and it highlights why robust vehicle management policies matter across freight and logistics sites.

Why Safety Management Matters in Transport Operations

Effective safety management within transport and logistics workplaces depends on controlling vehicle movement, separating pedestrians from machinery, and maintaining clear traffic management plans. When safety management systems fail, the consequences for workers can be severe and long-lasting.

Health and safety obligations under work health legislation require employers to actively manage risks associated with mobile plant, including forklifts. Sound risk management practices, supported by documented procedures, help reduce the likelihood of pedestrian and vehicle collisions in busy operational areas.

• Clear separation between pedestrian walkways and forklift operating zones
• Documented traffic management plans reviewed regularly by management
• Ongoing worker training on safety procedures around mobile plant
• Ongoing monitoring of risk factors linked to vehicle speed and visibility

Broader Industry Context

This case follows a pattern seen in other recent enforcement actions, including a Victorian transport company facing charges over serious truck crashes, and a horticulture company charged by WorkSafe over a worker's fatal fall. Similarly, a construction company facing charges over a workplace incident at Rottnest Island underscores how safety management failures span multiple industries, not just transport and freight.

For businesses managing fleets and warehousing operations, strengthening safety management frameworks is essential. Practical tools such as a road freight transport checklist and a worker agreement policy can support consistent safety practices, while a broader transport and automotive safety management plan provides structured guidance for reducing risk across daily operations.

Key Takeaways for Employers

Businesses operating forklifts and heavy vehicles should treat this case as a reminder to review their safety management systems regularly. Prioritising health and wellbeing of workers through proactive risk management, rather than reactive fixes after an incident, remains central to preventing similar outcomes.

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