Forklift fatality, company convicted 11:50am 8.04.08

SDS Beverages Food and Wine Pty Ltd has been convicted and fined $200,000 after the death of a forklift driver.

Marcus Martin’s forklift tipped over in November 2005 after it struck a roof support pole. Previous to the accident, other drivers had also struck and backed into the poles because of inadequate space, but no action was taken.

“The cause of these deaths are well known and information about workplace health and safety requirements have been in place for decades, yet WorkSafe inspectors still frequently find major issues with the operation of forklifts,” says John Merritt, WorkSafe executive director. “Improvements are made, but they often only follow a tragedy like this. Obvious dangers are often ignored and shortcuts become established as the norm. Both these factors can lead to human and commercial disaster.”

For more information and publications on workplace safety, visit www.worksafe.vic.gov.au