Charges after telehandler incident causes brain injury

Flow Smart Vic Pty Ltd faces two charges under section 21(1) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act of failing to provide and maintain a safe workplace.

The company is accused of breaching section 21(2)(a) of the OHS Act by failing to provide and maintain a safe system of work and section 21(2)(e) of the OHS Act by failing to provide necessary information, instruction or training to enable employees to work safely.

WorkSafe alleges the company failed to eliminate or reduce the risk of workers being struck during the installation of telehandler fork extensions.

In October 2023, the worker was helping to guide fork extensions on to the tynes of a telehandler when he was hit and fell from the tray of the truck he was standing on, suffering a serious brain injury.

The matter is listed for a filing hearing at the Sale Magistrates' Court on 7 January 2025.