Forklift Safety On Farm

The Importance of Forklift Safety on Victorian Farms: A Crucial Priority

Forklifts are a common sight on many Victorian farms, used for a range of tasks from loading produce to moving heavy equipment.

Forklifts, while indispensable, are also powerful machines that can cause severe injuries or fatalities if not operated correctly. A recent incident in Epping highlighted the dangers when proper safety protocols are not followed. The company involved lacked a documented traffic management plan and did not have adequate systems to prevent collisions between forklifts and pedestrians. This failure to provide a safe working environment led to devastating consequences.

Key Safety Measures for Forklift Operations

To ensure the safety of workers on farms, safety measures for forklift operations, must be clearly in place, understood, and adhered to by all farm workers.

Traffic Management Plan: Develop a comprehensive traffic management plan that clearly outlines the movement of forklifts and pedestrians. This plan should be regularly reviewed and updated to adapt to any changes in the work environment.

Signage: Install clear signage to guide both operators and workers on the ground. Signage should include speed limit signs, and pedestrian warning signs.

Exclusion Zones: Establish designated exclusion zones around areas where forklifts are operating. Workers should be trained to maintain a safe distance, typically at least three meters, from operating forklifts.

Visibility and Communication: Address visibility issues by ensuring that lighting is adequate in all areas where forklifts are used. Additionally, establish effective communication systems between forklift operators, transport contractors, and ground staff to prevent misunderstandings that could lead to accidents.

Licensing and Training: Ensure that all forklift operators hold the appropriate high-risk work licenses and are adequately trained in safe operation procedures. Continuous training should be provided to keep skills sharp and updated.

Regular Maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain all machinery and vehicles to ensure they are in good working order. Any defects or issues should be addressed immediately to prevent accidents.

A Call to Action

The tragic statistics speak for themselves: an average of one worker is seriously injured in forklift-related incidents every week in Australia. This is unacceptable, especially given that the risks and solutions are well known. Victorian farmers must take proactive steps to implement robust safety measures for forklift operations on their farms.

The MOFS team are committed to supporting farmers in creating safer work environments. By following the outlined safety practices and staying vigilant, we can significantly reduce the risk of forklift-related accidents and ensure that our farms are not only productive but also safe places to work.

Let’s make forklift safety a priority on every farm in Victoria. Together, we can prevent accidents and protect the lives of those who work so hard to keep our agricultural industry thriving.

For more information or assistance in developing your farm’s safety protocols get in touch with Paul Wearing, Senior Safety Advisor 0448 043 654 or contact us here.

All MOFS machinery resources can be found here.

Additionally, visit WorkSafe Victoria’s Forklift safety page: Forklifts | WorkSafe Victoria

Read more:

Serious forklift injury costs company $40,000 | WorkSafe Victoria