It demands constant vigilance and cannot be compromised. By Campbell McInnes

I think we would all agree that Work Health and Safety (WH&S) is a very important and serious part of every workplace. We put in place what we believe is the right processes and procedures and believe that “everything will be alright”!

Unfortunately, that is not always the case, as one of National Timber and Hardware Association’s (NTHA) long-standing members, who has been in business for decades and very experienced with safety in the workplace found out.

David Little, NTHA’s CEO, tells us that when he caught up with a spokesperson for the company, he told him: “It all started as such a normal day … such an average day …, the bustling morning routine, the boring drive to work … and then a series of silly mistakes, simply not following the process this one time. This was the day everything changed…. and it happened so quickly”. They added: “We go about our daily routines… following our usual pattern … just as if we’re on autopilot. All it took was a moment… the forklift driver parked up on a slight slope, didn’t adequately apply the handbrake, didn’t put a chock behind the rear wheels – they jumped out for just a second to label some packs, with the forklift tines still up and the wheels pointing down the slope……….and then…. the forklift silently rolled away”.

This resulted in a person being crushed between the back of the forklift and a truck. His injuries were fatal.

Families’ lives have been forever altered. The spokesperson said: “So many things could’ve been done differently that day to prevent this tragic event from happening … to prevent so many lives and families from being impacted by it.”

Above: Bollards and signage are vital tools to assist the workplace with safety obligations.

This tragic incident reminds us that even the smallest lapse in safety can have catastrophic consequences for workers, families, and businesses.

Every business owner and operator must be vigilant about asking themselves these questions every day:

  • Are my systems sound?
  • Do I have the right procedures in place?
  • Have I provided effective training that staff know how to follow?
  • Are they adequately supervised?
  • Am I checking that they’re following procedure consistently?”
  • ….. and can I demonstrate adequate due diligence to meet my WH&S duties?

Because it can all go so very wrong, so very quickly if we don’t. Cutting corners, ignoring process …. costs everyone.

This case demonstrates that unless safety in the workplace is ensured, not only by employers, but by the workers themselves, there can be terrible consequences because of the failure to follow even the simplest and clearest of safety rules.

DON’T RISK IT:

The following also applies to Managers, Team Leaders / Supervisors & other workers on site including contractors.

WHS Act: Div 4 – Clause (29) Duties of other persons at the workplace (extract) A person at a workplace Must: –

(a) take reasonable care for his or her own health and safety, and

(b) take reasonable care that his or her acts or omissions do not adversely affect the health and safety of other persons, and

Therefore, others may / will be prosecuted under the WHS Act.

Above: This safety sign is a great example, it is clear, stands out, has precise instructions and
is informative.

CONCLUSION

This heartbreaking incident is a stark reminder that safety protocols are not just guidelines—they are essential measures that protect lives. While the processes may seem tedious or repetitive, they exist for a reason. A moment of oversight, a lapse in judgment, or a simple act of forgetting can change everything in an instant, and no one is immune from the consequences.

For business owners and leaders, the responsibility is clear: Safety must be a top priority, and it requires constant vigilance. This extends beyond compliance with regulations; it requires fostering a culture where every worker, from the newest recruit to the most experienced operator, understands the importance of the rules, is equipped to follow them, and feels empowered to speak up when safety is compromised.

There are no shortcuts when it comes to ensuring a safe workplace. Cutting corners, even with the best intentions, puts everyone at risk—employees, families, businesses, and entire communities. We must all recognise that safety is not just a regulatory obligation; it is a moral imperative that safeguards the well-being of every person in the workplace.

The hope is that reflecting on this tragic loss inspires a commitment to do better. It’s important to remember that safety isn’t a one-time check, but a continuous evolving responsibility. The cost of negligence is too high, and the price of complacency is a risk we cannot afford.

For the sake of those we care about, everyone must do everything in their power to ensure no other family has to endure what the NTHA members’ team has faced.

Above: While using marked walkways, it is important for both pedestrians and forklift operators to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings, at all times.

UPCOMING ROADSHOW ANNOUNCEMENT

David Little shared: “NTHA will be hosting a roadshow initially across NSW, later this year in conjunction with an industry member and safety specialists, focused on workplace safety. This event is designed to be both informative and practical, benefiting not just NTHA members, but businesses across all sectors. Safety is a top priority for NTHA, and we want to ensure that everyone has access to the latest resources and insights.”

As Part of the roadshow, NTHA will have available a new dedicated app, that aims to help businesses assess and address any gaps in their WH&S procedures. The app will include a user-friendly questionnaire to guide the user through potential safety improvements. Best of all, the app will be available for free for the first two years following its launch.

Keep an eye out for the roadshow dates and locations, as these events should be attended by Owners, Managers, Supervisors, WH&S officers, and anyone who has an input or responsibility for WH&S in the workplace, dates should be noted in your diaries!

DON’T RISK IT. PRIORITISE SAFETY EVERY DAY, IN EVERY ACTION.

For further information on how NTHA can assist your business in meeting WH&S obligations, please contact NTHA via: website: www.ntha.com.au phone: 1800 822 621 or email: info@ntha.com.au.