More than 140 notices have already been issued as inspectors focus on reducing injuries across key industries, including agriculture, retail, construction, manufacturing and transport.

The operation highlights the dangers associated with earthmoving equipment, forklifts, cranes, trucks, quad bikes, side-by-side vehicles, fixed machinery and tractors. Forklift safety has been a major area of concern, with notices addressing risks such as pedestrian separation, rollovers, collisions, and inadequate maintenance and inspection procedures.

Workplace fatalities underscore safety concerns

The initiative comes in response to alarming statistics on workplace fatalities involving moving machinery and vehicles. SafeWork NSW’s 2024-2025 Annual Regulatory Statement highlights these incidents as among the leading causes of workplace deaths in the state.

Tragic incidents last year reinforced the urgency of the operation. A man in his seventies was fatally struck by a forklift at a Griffith factory, while another died after being hit by a compactor at a Lucas Heights waste management facility. Additionally, within a single 24-hour period, two separate farm accidents resulted in fatalities when quad bikes and side-by-side vehicles rolled over, trapping the riders underneath. Investigations identified factors such as failure to wear seatbelts and helmets, lack of rollover protection, and inadequate separation of workers from machinery.

Case Study: Mark Ellis, injured in a workplace forklift incident:

https://youtu.be/EfRF1aioNs4

Legal consequences for safety breaches

A recent SafeWork prosecution saw Twin Connect Pty Ltd fined $180,000 for breaching work health and safety laws. The case involved a 33-year-old worker who was struck by a reversing excavator while performing traffic control duties in 2022. The absence of a physical barrier separating pedestrians from the mobile plant was a key factor in the incident.

Young and inexperienced workers are particularly vulnerable to workplace hazards. SafeWork NSW inspectors are ensuring that proper training and supervision are in place. Employers found placing workers at risk may face on-the-spot fines of up to $4500, while individuals can be fined up to $900.

Support for businesses to improve safety

SafeWork NSW provides a range of resources to assist businesses in managing risks associated with mobile plants, fixed machinery and vehicles. The SafeWork NSW webpage includes guidance, including the Code of Practice – Managing the Risks of Plant in the Workplace.

Businesses with fewer than 50 workers can book a workplace visit with a SafeWork inspector to assess risks and receive tailored advice. Additionally, SafeWork NSW offers a $1000 small business rebate to help cover the cost of safety equipment.

SafeWork NSW reinforces commitment to workplace safety

Trent Curtin, Head of SafeWork NSW, emphasised the importance of risk awareness and preventative measures in keeping workers safe.

“Being hit by moving plants or vehicles or injured when working with fixed machinery are preventable hazards we see across our state and across all industries. Awareness and assessment of the risks, along with implementation of safe systems of work, is key to reducing incidents,” he said.

“This involves particular consideration of the operating environment, separation of workers and vehicles, and consultation with workers to keep them safe.”

While inspectors aim to educate businesses about safe work practices, serious breaches will not be tolerated. “SafeWork NSW inspectors will educate workplaces they visit regarding safe practices but will not accept workers’ lives being placed at risk, and can issue on-the-spot fines for serious safety breaches,” Curtin said.

He stressed that safety should always come first. “All workers deserve to return home safely at the end of their workday. No job is so important that it can’t be done safely.”

Reporting safety concerns

Workers concerned about workplace safety can report issues by calling SafeWork NSW on 13 10 50 or using the Speak Up app.