JBS Australia Pty Ltd was recently convicted in the NSW District Court, receiving a fine of $330 000 following a SafeWork NSW prosecution. This conviction is resultant from a distressing incident taking place on 14 July 2022 in the workplace. A worker suffered extensive harm after being struck by a forklift within the chilled storage facility designated for processed meat.
The employee incurred serious trauma to his left leg due to this collision with heavy machinery. JBS Australia conceded guilt to an offence dictated under section 32 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW) as it failed to honour its health and safety responsibilities to its workers, as outlined in section 19(1) of the Act.
For those interested, the full judgement against JBS Australia can be read via the NSW Caselaw website. The right to file an appeal against its sentence is retained by JBS Australia Pty Ltd.
Employees who hold concerns regarding their workplace’s health and safety provisions can contact SafeWork anonymously through the phone number 13 10 50 or the Speak Up Save Lives portal online.
Injuries sustained from operational equipment such as vehicles, mobile plant, or fixed machinery notably including forklifts, are still among the main causes of traumatic injuries and fatalities occurring within NSW workplaces. In its 2025-26 regulatory priorities, SafeWork NSW emphasises its ongoing commitment to safeguard workers operating heavy machinery and those working around mobile plant, vehicles, or fixed equipment.
A wealth of resources aimed at managing the risks associated with forklift usage is available for both business owners and workers on the SafeWork NSW site. Employers who utilise work safety products like WHS management systems or SWMS could find these especially useful. Schemes such as Bluesafe SWMS or Bluesafe WHS Management System underscore crucial importance in maintaining safe and secure workplace environments.
SafeWork Commissioner Janet Schorer notably said, “Forklifts find daily usage across NSW construction sites, yet each year tower as a contributing factor to workplace deaths and injuries. These events carry massive human and financial burdens for workers, the industry, and broader community. SafeWork NSW remains dedicated towards helping workplaces maintain worker safety. We urge businesses employing mobile plant, vehicles, or fixed machinery, to utilise the guides and resources SafeWork NSW provides in aim of ensuring employee safety.”
Original article link: https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/news/safework-media-releases/company-fined-$330,000-after-worker-hit-by-forklift
