NT WorkSafe
NT WorkSafe has issued a new safety alert after two recent incidents involving forklifts in the Darwin area.
The purpose of this Safety Alert is to remind forklift owners, operators, and workers of the hazards associated with operating forklifts, in particular on uneven ground with elevated heavy and large dimension loads, and to reinforce the use of well-established ways to minimise the risk of injury from tipping over.
The safety alert outlines a number of safe procedures operators should follow to prevent a similar incident from occurring.
Forklift safety campaign
WorkSafe Inspectors have also commenced a forklift safety campaign, focusing on businesses that supply materials to the construction industry. During the month of April, WorkSafe Inspectors will be providing these businesses and other duty holders with information and advice on the hazards and safe use of forklifts.
Starting in May, Workplace Inspectors will return to monitor compliance with the safe management and use of forklifts. Things WorkSafe Inspectors will be checking include a business's safe systems of work, forklift operator licences and forklift maintenance logs, among other things.
Statistics
In the three years from 2018 to 2020, there were 25 accepted workers' compensation claims for serious injuries involving a forklift, where the worker needed at least one week off work due to their injuries.
