Employers are urged to make sure their workers are able to work safely around machinery according to the New Zealand Department of Labor. The warning follows the recent sentencing of McAlpines Timber Limited at the Rangiora District Court over an incident involving a forklift in which an employee died. The company was sentenced to pay a fine of $40,130 and reparation totaling $67,200.
McAlpines Timber Limited admitted failing to take all practicable steps to ensure the safety of an employee – specifically, the employee was not made aware of hazards arising from the use of forklifts in the workplace.
At the time of the accident the employee was supervising the loading of his truck and trailer to ensure it adhered to Ministry of Transport requirements. He was standing behind the trailer being loaded when he was struck by a forklift. (WCxKitz)
The Department of Labor Christchurch Service Manager, Margaret Radford says this accident was preventable.
“Employers should take all practicable steps to make sure employees are safe at work especially where potentially dangerous equipment and vehicles are involved.” Radford said. “Forklifts are very useful, but are potentially very dangerous.
“When forklifts are operated in restricted spaces where other people are also working, employers should take particular care to make sure employees are not harmed. (WCxKitz)
“The hazards associated with loading and unloading truck and trailers with forklifts including driver safety zones and pedestrian movements in close proximity to forklift operations should not be overlooked.”
Author Rebecca Shafer, Consultant/Attorney, President, Amaxx Risks Solutions, Inc. has worked successfully for 20 years with many industries to reduce Workers’ Compensation costs, including airlines, healthcare, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. Contact: RShafer@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com or 860-553-6604.
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Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker or agent about workers' comp issues.
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