Transport company fined for worker’s injury

A WA transport company has been fined $75,000 and ordered to pay costs of $1,980 after a worker was struck in the head by the tailgate of a trailer, which had slipped off a forklift in their yard in January 2013.

The forklift was being operated by a worker who did not hold a High-Risk Work Licence to drive a forklift.

The company pleaded guilty to failing to provide and maintain a safe working environment and, by that failure, causing serious harm to an employee, and was fined in the Perth Magistrates Court.

WorkSafe WA Commissioner Lex McCulloch said today this case should serve as a warning to all employers to provide and maintain a safe working environment for all employees.

“A person standing under a load held and suspended by a forklift is a commonly known hazard in industry, including the transport industry,” Mr McCulloch said.

“The risks of being hit by a swinging unsupported load are extremely high when undertaking this type of work using a forklift due to operator error or unintentionally moving the raised suspended load.

“Employers should ensure they have undertaken risk assessments, have adequate procedures and staff training in place to carry out the work in a safe manner and that staff are supervised by a person who has also been trained in these methods.

“In this case, the employee suffered serious injuries that could have been prevented if the company had used a different method to open and secure the tailgate.”

Source www.safetyculture.com.au