Worker struck by forklift (16 August 2021)

A worker was struck by a forklift while assisting to collect chickens within a poultry shed.

A 19-year-old worker was struck by a forklift while assisting to collect chickens within a poultry shed. The forklift was moving forward carrying a module of cages in front of the cabin when it struck the worker. The worker sustained fatal injuries as a result of the incident.

A forklift in a chicken shed

Safety information

Consider ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risks associated with operating forklifts.

Businesses:

  • separate people from moving forklifts, using barriers or guardrails
  • if you cannot physically separate forklifts from people, designate exclusion zones
  • if your forklifts do not have safety features, consider retro-fitting warning devices like forklift-to-worker proximity sensors, reverse lights, reverse sensors, flashing lights, beepers, quackers and focus beams
  • ensure all workers operating a forklift have the appropriate high risk work licence and have received training on the type of forklift they are using
  • if lighting levels in the work environment are poor, consider fitting additional lighting to the forklift
  • talk to all workers - including operators and those who work near forklifts - about how to work safely around forklifts
  • ensure workers are wearing high visibility clothing and using other appropriate personal protective equipment.

Forklift operators:

  • before moving your forklift, look in all directions for people
  • be aware of exclusion zones and pedestrian walkways
  • ask about fitting safety or proximity warning devices to your forklift
  • always look in the direction of travel and keep your forks lowered
  • if the load obscures your view, drive in reverse
  • if your vision is restricted, or if travelling in reverse is not practical, use a trained spotter and ensure that you cease operation if the spotter disappears from view
  • do not use headphones or operate electronic devices such as mobile phones while operating the forklift.

When working near forklifts:

  • always keep a safe distance
  • do not work between the path of the forklift and a fixed object even if the park brake is applied
  • stay on pedestrian pathways and/or exclusion zones
  • be aware that a forklift operators’ field of vision is obscured – don’t assume they have seen you
  • wear a forklift-to-worker proximity warning device, if available
  • wear high visibility clothing and other appropriate personal protective equipment.

Statistics

Every year forklifts cause workplace deaths and injuries resulting in substantial financial and human costs for workers, industry and the community. The three main reasons workers are killed or seriously injured in forklift incidents are:

  1. being hit or crushed by a forklift
  2. being hit or crushed by a load that the forklift is moving
  3. being crushed in a forklift tip-over.

More information

The following incident occurred in October 2020 at a poultry farm:

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