Get serious about forklift safety 2003-02-24

24 February 2003

WorkSafe Victoria is calling on business operators in Melbourne’s south east and the Mornington Peninsula to re-examine their safety performance in relation to forklifts.

The call precedes a forklift safety workshop being held at Frankston on 6 March. Organised by the Victorian Transport Association in conjunction with WorkSafe, the workshop will give operators a better understanding of their safety needs.

The seminar at the Long Island Country Club will also cover the transport industries needs to improve safety when working at heights.

WorkSafe Victoria’s Executive Director, John Merritt, said WorkSafe Victoria figures showed no significant drop in the number of injuries involving forklifts in the past 17 years.

“It will give industry the opportunity to share experiences and solutions to common problems such as the need to separate pedestrian and forklift traffic.

“We want to help industry address safety issues. Already this year we have had one death and several serious injuries associated with forklifts.”

“There has been so much industrial and commercial growth in the south-east and the Peninsula in recent years, the seminar is an important reminder of the requirements in relation to these potentially deadly machines,” Mr Merritt said

Of 49 deaths since 1985, 12 people were hit by travelling or manoeuvring forklifts and 14 were crushed by falling loads.

In 14 cases operators were killed when crushed after the machine tipped or rolled over or they were run over.

Mr Merritt said the figures were unacceptable because such incidents were entirely preventable.

“Research conducted by Monash University’s Accident Research Centre for WorkSafe show that forklifts often operate at the edge of safety boundaries where there is little room for error.

“In many cases speed has to be controlled and the weight and positioning of loads needs to be monitored.

“There is too much reliance on high visibility vests and operator caution across industry.”

VTA Executive Director Philip Lovel said improved safety was in everybody’s interests.

“By reducing the chance of injury and by better designing workplaces, business profitability can be improved.

“It’s in the interests of everyone where forklifts are used to do what they can to reduce the rate of injuries and deaths.

“Deaths and injuries can be devastating to families and workmates. The implications for business are substantial.”

Bookings can be made through Anthony Sgambati at the Victorian Transport Association on 9646 8590.

WorkSafe’s website (www.workcover.vic.gov.au) contains details about the workshops and information on safe forklift practices.

Additional information on the seminars is available from Anthony Sgambati (Victorian Transport Association) on 9646 8590.