Forklift safety campaign looks to lift compliance

The NSW Government is launching a compliance blitz campaign with a specific focus on forklift safety, with over 250 SafeWork inspectors travelling across regional and metropolitan NSW to conduct unannounced checks.

The initiative is part of National Safe Work month and follows several injuries and fatalities, including a tragic forklift death last month in Sydney’s east.

Mobile plant, vehicles and fixed machinery is one of SafeWork NSW’s five regulatory priorities and is a leading cause of traumatic injuries and fatalities in workplaces.

Since January 2024, more than 600 forklift incidents have been reported to SafeWork NSW. Four of these tragically resulted in a fatality, while two thirds were considered dangerous, where there was no injury to a worker but there was a potential of harm being caused. 70% of these forklift incidents occurred in the manufacturing, postal, transport and warehousing industries. 

Incidents involving forklifts include collisions, rollovers, and objects falling off forklifts and often have serious and life changing consequences.

“SafeWork NSW’s month-long compliance blitz in October is a timely reminder that safety non-negotiable and should be the top priority for anyone operating a forklift,” said Minister for Work Health and Safety, Sophie Cotsis.

“On average every year, one worker loses their life every week in the workplace. That’s one death too many.

“This compliance blitz builds on the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to make SafeWork NSW a tougher cop on the beat and follows a major $127.7 million investment over the next four years to address psychosocial hazards and compliance and enforcement of safe work practices.  

“Every worker has the right to go to work and return home safely to their loved ones.”

The Safe Work Month Compliance blitz will also cover SafeWork NSW’s other regulatory priorities which cause the greatest risk to workers including: 

• Falls from heights
• Harms to workers in the health care and social assistance sector
• Managing psychosocial risks at work – including sexual harassment
• Exposure to hazardous substances including asbestos, crystalline silica and welding fumes

“Work health and safety is an everyday priority, and we should not limit ourselves to taking the correct precautions to one month a year,” said SafeWork NSW Commissioner, Janet Schorer.  

“Forklifts are used in construction sites across NSW daily, yet every year they continue to contribute workplace deaths and injuries that often result in substantial human and financial costs for workers, industry and the community. 

“SafeWork NSW remains committed to supporting industry and workplaces in keeping their workers safe and inspectors will be out in full force to ensure businesses with workers using mobile plant, vehicles or fixed machinery such forklifts are engaging with the proper practises for keeping safer workplaces.” 

Business owners and workers can access a range of resources to help manage the risks of working with forklifts on the SafeWork NSW website at: https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/hazards-a-z/forklifts. 

For more information on National Safe Work Month, visit the Safe Work Australia website at https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/national-safe-work-month.