Alert no. 473 | 22 April 2026 | Version 1
Fatal incident involving forklift at quarry site
What happened?
- A worker was fatally injured in a forklift incident at a quarry site.
- Initial information indicates the forklift operator was crushed when his forklift rolled onto its side while travelling on a ramp.
- An investigation into this incident is ongoing. Initial safety advice is outlined below.
How did it happen?
- The worker was operating a forklift in a storage area when the incident occurred.
- The forklift rolled onto its side while traveling on a concrete ramp, crushing the operator.
- Nearby workers raised the alarm and Queensland Ambulance Service was called to the scene, however the operator’s injuries were fatal.
Recommendations
- All obligation holders should assess and mitigate hazards and risks associated with forklift operations following this tragic incident. Some considerations are set out below.
- Forklifts should be assessed prior to use to ensure they are fit for the intended purpose, terrain and operating environment, including operation on ramps and gradients.
- Forklifts must be subject to routine inspection and maintenance, including verification that all safety systems (such as operator restraints, braking and steering) are functional and maintained to OEM specifications.
- Operators must wear seatbelts or operator restraints, as these are critical in helping to prevent injuries in the event of an accident.
- Ramps and edges should be designed and protected (e.g. bunds, rails or wheel guides) to prevent mobile equipment from driving off edges or losing lateral stability.
- Site traffic management plans should identify ramp hazards, control speeds, and restrict forklift movements where ramp gradients or widths pose an elevated risk (e.g. forklifts must not turn or travel across ramps or slopes, forklifts should travel straight up or down ramps only).
- Operator training and competency assessments must include understanding forklift stability and rollover risks, and operating limitations on ramps and gradients.
References and further information
- Mining and Quarrying Safety and Health Act 1999 (Qld)
- Mining and Quarrying Safety and Health Regulation 2017 (Qld) - Part 10 (Plant generally) and Part 2 (Risk management) and Section 93 (Training).
- Australian Standard AS2359.6-2013 – Powered industrial trucks – Part 6: Self-propelled industrial trucks, other than driverless trucks, variable reach trucks and burden carrier trucks (ISO 3691-1:2011, MOD). (section 4.7.8 operator restraint)
- Australian Standard AS2359.1-2019– Powered industrial trucks – Part 1: General requirements (section 7.4 Operator restraints)
- Australian Standard AS2359.2 –2013 Powered industrial trucks – Part 2: Operations (section 3 Model Operating Procedures)
Contact: QldMinesInspectorate@rshq.qld.gov.au
Issued by Resources Safety & Health Queensland
Safety: This information is a guide only and is issued to promote safety through experience. It is not to be taken as a statement of law and must not be construed to waive or modify any legal obligation.
Placement: Place this announcement on noticeboards and ensure all relevant people in your organisation receive a copy.
Placement: Place this announcement on noticeboards and ensure all relevant people in your organisation receive a copy.
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