The NSW Government has launched a month-long compliance blitz focused on forklift safety as part of National Safe Work Month, following a rise in workplace incidents across New South Wales.
More than 250 SafeWork NSW inspectors will conduct unannounced visits to businesses throughout regional and metropolitan areas, targeting worksites where mobile plant, vehicles and fixed machinery are used. The campaign follows a number of recent injuries and fatalities, including a fatal forklift accident in Sydney’s east last month.
Since January 2024, over 600 forklift-related incidents have been reported to SafeWork NSW. Of these, four resulted in fatalities and two-thirds were classed as dangerous, with potential for serious harm. Around 70 per cent of these incidents occurred in the manufacturing, postal, transport and warehousing sectors.
Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said the initiative reinforces the Government’s commitment to workplace safety. “SafeWork NSW’s month-long compliance blitz in October is a timely reminder that safety is non-negotiable and should be the top priority for anyone operating a forklift,” she said.
The campaign also supports a broader $127.7 million investment over four years to strengthen SafeWork NSW’s enforcement capabilities and address psychosocial hazards.
SafeWork Commissioner Janet Schorer said inspectors would focus on ensuring proper safety practices are in place. “Forklifts are used daily across NSW, yet every year they continue to contribute to workplace deaths and injuries that carry substantial human and financial costs,” she said.
In addition to forklift safety, inspectors will monitor other high-risk areas, including falls from heights, psychosocial risks, hazardous substance exposure, and safety in health care and social assistance sectors.
Resources for managing forklift risks are available at SafeWork NSW.
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