SafeWork NSW warns on forklift safety after fatal warehouse incident
08 May 2025•BlueSafe Team•Source: SafeWork NSW
SafeWork NSW has renewed its warning about mobile plant and vehicle safety after a man died while operating forklift machinery at a warehouse in Erskine Park, in Sydney’s west.
The man sustained severe head injuries and died at the scene. SafeWork NSW inspectors attended the warehouse to begin enquiries, which remain ongoing. The regulator advised that it could not comment further while those enquiries continue.
The incident follows the launch of a statewide targeted compliance operation in March 2025 aimed at reducing workplace injuries involving mobile plant, fixed machinery and moving vehicles.
The operation focused on whether workers operating moving plant and vehicles had appropriate training and current licences. Inspectors also examined separation between people and mobile plant or vehicles, along with measures to prevent rollovers.
From the start of the operation to the end of April 2025, inspectors visited 522 sites across NSW and issued 476 notices. Forklifts accounted for 170 of those notices.
SafeWork NSW provides information about reducing plant and vehicle-related hazards through its Code of practice – Managing the risks of plant in the workplace, available on its website.
The regulator also provides advisory services and a small business rebate to help with the purchase of safety equipment. Businesses employing fewer than 50 workers can arrange a visit from a SafeWork NSW inspector to identify workplace risks and ways to manage them.
Workers concerned about workplace health and safety can contact SafeWork NSW on 13 10 50 or report issues through the Speak Up website.
Head of SafeWork NSW Trent Curtin urged care when working with and around mobile plant, highlighting the potential for forklifts to cause serious injury or death. He identified risk awareness, assessment and safe systems of work as key to reducing incidents. “SafeWork NSW inspectors will continue to 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.”
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