Victorian regulator WorkSafe is cracking down on dangerous forklift use to address a common source of workplace risk.

It has released new guidance outlining the importance of up-to-date traffic management systems and signage and encouraging employers to use low-cost safety technology such as seatbelt interlocks and proximity devices that detect pedestrians.

It will also conduct a statewide investigation blitz, with a focus on the manufacturing, postal and warehousing sectors.

WorkSafe says on average more than one worker a week is seriously injured in a forklift-related accident, with eight deaths recorded since 2019. Incidents involving pedestrians accounted for 65 of 157 forklift injury claims accepted last year.

The regulator says employers were fined more than $2.4 million last year across 16 prosecutions. 

“Forklifts are an important piece of machinery for many Victorian workplaces. However, if not used and managed safely, they also have the potential to cause serious harm,” WorkSafe health and safety executive director Narelle Beer said.

“Through measures such as this new guidance and the work of our inspectors, WorkSafe is ensuring employers are taking proactive steps to ensure their workers and others are safe around forklifts.”

Click here to access WorkSafe’s new forklift guidance.