Forklift Safety:Court Fines Man for Running Over Co-worker
In Early 2011, Gary Egberts was operating a forklift in order to unload a truck at the Karratha depot of transport company Star Frieghtlines. As a result of his inadequate training, Egberts accidentally hit a truck driver and ran over his left leg, resulting in a dislocated patella and significant abrasions and bruising.
WorkSafe reported that Egbert did not honk the forklift’s horn while reversing and it lacked a working reverse alarm.
Egberts put forth a guilty plea for failing to take reasonable care to avoid an incident and was fined in the Perth Magistrates Court this week.
Last month, his employer was subject to a $20,000 for failing to provide and maintain a safe work environment.
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Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-07-12/worker-fined-3k-over-forklift-accident/4816924?§ion=news
Flemington Market Worker Dies in Forklift Accident
A worker died when he was crushed by a forklift in front of fellow workers at Flemington Markets. Shocked workers said Lilipe Manuoliku Hehea was doing work with a customer when his forklift fell over and trapped him beneath it. He was an employee for a produce wholesaler and was working back and forth between trucks in a hectic loading zone.
Emergency services were called to the scene shortly after the accident but the man had already succumbed to his injuries. One agent who arrived early on the scene said it was a tragic accident. No other workers or vehicles were involved, the man was working on his own prior to the accident.
Some have speculations are that Hehea got distracted or did something unusual to make the forklift turnover. Hehea was a husband and a father. Hehea has worked at the markets for over half a decade. The incident has been described as a “freak accident” that resulted in the death or a respected worker.
WorkCover is currently investigating the incident and have stated that early reports regarding the circumstances of the accident seem to be correct.Police are presently preparing a report for submission to the coroner.Workers in the Flemington market continue to mourn his loss.
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Source: http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/tragic-accident-as-father-crushed-to-death-at-work-20120626-20zax.html#ixzz1z8DnK14d
Chain of Responsibility: Australian Post Pleads Guilty In Forklift Accident Case
The Australian Post will have to face a fine after a forklift accident left an elderly contractor without a lower right leg. The federal work health and safety board have been investigating the case of the injured Toowoomba Mail Centre worker since last December,
The accident took place on a loading dock for the Australian Post. AP have since pleaded guilty for failing to control traffic in a bus in a busy area.
Justice John Logan, the judge for the case, was allegedly disappointed with Australia’s chain of responsibility, and the inadequate concern for the implementation and maintaining of safety policies and training at the centre.
Australian Post are set to pay $160,000 for the injury.
The board has yet to comment on the case. When prosecution was declared last year, the Work Health and Safety Group General Manager, Neil Quarmby declared that they are focused on working with employers and employees to ensure the safety of everyone.
Australian Post will have to pay out $80 000 in costs.
Source: http://www.supplychainreview.com.au/news/articleid/77299.aspx
