Driving Forklift Safety
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Forklifts are the workhorse of industry. Ubiquitous in warehousing, construction and manufacturing companies, forklifts make it easy to manoeuvre large loads quickly. Yet they’re also responsible for many workplace injuries and fatalities each year, with SafeWork NSW recording 1,538 forklift-related incidents between 2017 and 2022 (approximately 307 incidents annually). WorkSafe Victoria data, meanwhile, reveals that more than one worker every week is seriously injured in forklift-related incidents.
A Safe Work Australia report revealed that between 2020-2021, a staggering 1.9 million weeks of work were lost as a result of worker injuries. In addition, businesses incur costs of more than $5 billion each year in lost productivity, compensation claims and related costs.
Regulators and industry bodies are implementing programs and initiatives to raise awareness of the risks associated with using forklifts, and prompt adherence to regulations and safety guidelines. In the last year, for example, WorkSafe Victoria has issued fines totalling more than $2.4 million (including the $1.3 million fine issued to a single company convicted in the first workplace manslaughter prosecution).
Businesses that fail to manage and prevent forklift-related injuries or fatalities could face serious legal risks and suffer crippling financial losses, especially since the introduction of the NSW Manslaughter Bill. It’s paramount for businesses that use forklifts to put the safety of their people first.
Workplace Health & Safety Show Sydney delivers critical insights
With forklift safety being such a critical issue for so many industries (particularly following the introduction of new regulations), Workplace Health & Safety Show Sydney is set to address the challenges.
Taking place from 23-24 October 2024 at The Dome (Sydney Showground), the Show exhibition features over 160 exhibiting brands, showcasing the latest safety solutions and products, making it the perfect place to browse and source a wide range of solutions – conveniently, all located under one roof.
Forklift safety in the exhibition hall include:
- Pedestrian safety: asafe, DexSafe, WPS
- Fleetsafe - Pedestrian Detection & Proximity Warning System Proxicam™ with AI powered Human Recognition Technology
- Speedshield technologies – Ai-powered safety camera system
- Incident Zero – Safety halo system
- Safequip – Safety Auditing
- Training, licensing and tickets - Just Careers Training, Kallibr Training
- And much more!
The Show’s education program offers 40 hours of free educational content across 50 sessions, delivered by over 75 industry leaders and subject matter experts. Attendees can earn valuable CPD points by attending the Show, and expanding their expertise in safety practices.
The Summit stage seminars and panel discussions will unpack new laws and standards, sharing insights to help audiences remain compliant and manage the complexities of workplace safety. They’ll also explore technological advances that aid in maintaining safety, and discuss mental wellbeing and safety culture.
The Workplace Health & Safety Show is the must-attend industry event for anyone seeking to stay current on complex and changing occupational safety regulations, related technological advances, and best practices.
For more details about the Show and to register free, visit https://whsshow.com.au/whats-on-sydney.