National campaign looks at forklift safety
Issue Date: - Wednesday, 7 April 2010
Workplace safety authorities across Australia are joining forces in an effort to reduce work related injuries involving forklifts in the grocery and fruit and vegetable wholesaling industry.
The campaign will see workplace safety authorities across the country looking at forklift operation systems, load positioning and handling, maintenance systems and operator’s pre-start checks.
While forklift safety is the main emphasis of the campaign, other issues such as manual handling tasks, slips trips and falls, working at heights and induction procedures will also be looked at.
WorkSafe WA Commissioner Nina Lyhne said today that the campaign aimed to identify safety issues in the industry and to provide employers with information.
“In WA, the campaign will involve WorkSafe inspectors visiting grocery and fruit and vegetable wholesalers to identify safety issues and provide employers with information on how to comply with occupational safety and health laws,” Ms Lyhne said.
“On average, around 180 Western Australian workers are injured in incidents involving forklifts each year, and four WA workers have died in forklift-related incidents since 2004.
“Forklifts – and indeed all mobile plant in workplaces – should be used with the greatest caution and only by workers who have the relevant skills and training.”
WorkSafe has contacted employers in the targeted industry and provided information on what inspectors will be looking at during visits, and employers are being contacted by telephone to arrange appointments.
Industry groups and unions have also been informed of the campaign, which will continue throughout April and May.
“This campaign will allow inspectors to identify common problems with forklifts in the grocery and fruit and vegetable wholesaling industry while they provide information and – if necessary – take action where safety concerns are found,” Ms Lyhne said.
“The campaign is part of an ongoing program of proactive inspections, and is another good example of the States working together to develop a nationally consistent approach to workplace safety.”
Further information on forklift safety and detailed information on this campaign can be obtained by telephoning WorkSafe on 9327 8777 or on the website at www.worksafe.wa.gov.au.
Media contact: Caroline De Vaney 9327 8744 or 0408 927563 (media enquiries only).