A Victorian masonry company, National Masonry, has entered into an enforceable undertaking valued at approximately $295,000, following a serious forklift incident that left one worker with a partial hand amputation.
The Sunshine Magistrates’ Court heard that the incident occurred in August 2023 at the company’s Deer Park facility, where a worker was operating a forklift to load products onto a truck. Without warning, the truck moved forward, catching the forklift’s tynes and causing the vehicle to tip onto its side.
The operator’s left hand was crushed and partially amputated by the forklift’s frame as it hit the ground. Despite surgery to reattach the hand and partial recovery of movement, the worker is not expected to regain full function.
A subsequent WorkSafe investigation revealed that several near misses involving forklifts and pedestrians had occurred at the site before the accident. WorkSafe alleged that National Masonry failed to maintain a safe workplace by not adequately controlling the risk of forklifts overturning or colliding with people and vehicles.
The investigation found there were no exclusion zones established around forklifts during loading operations, and both forklift operators and truck drivers had not received proper training in the use of such controls. Pedestrian movement through dedicated walkways was also not effectively managed.
Under the terms of the enforceable undertaking, National Masonry will:
• Engage an engineering designer to research and develop prototypes for a mast detection system and payload monitoring system that can be retrofitted to forklifts.
• Fund analysis and testing of these safety prototypes.
• Produce an educational video series to share with industry associations.
• Donate $15,000 to the Australian Institute of Health & Safety’s Body of Knowledge program.
WorkSafe noted that it may reinstate charges if National Masonry fails to meet the conditions of the undertaking.
WorkSafe’s Chief Health and Safety Officer, Sam Jenkin, said employers are responsible for ensuring workers receive adequate training and understand the risks of operating or working around mobile plant.
“In 2024–25, forklifts were a factor in almost 160 workplace injuries,” Jenkin said. “There are many cost-effective safety systems available that can significantly reduce or eliminate these risks.
This case demonstrates how proper systems, training, and supervision can prevent serious harm. We’re confident the measures resulting from this incident will help protect workers both at this site and across the wider industry.”
Editor’s Note – Forklift Safety Starts with the Right Training
At FMS Training, we’ve seen how easily preventable incidents can lead to life-changing injuries. Our nationally accredited forklift courses go beyond compliance — focusing on hazard awareness, exclusion-zone control, and real-world safety systems that protect both operators and pedestrians.
If your team operates forklifts, don’t wait for a near miss to review your procedures.
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