Company fined $44k for forklift death

An Auckland company has been fined $44,600 over an accident which resulted in a worker dying after being trapped under a forklift.

The Fowlers Machinery Limited employee died of asphyxia in September last year while repairing the left front brake of a 239 tonne forklift.

The company appeared in the Auckland District Court today charged with one offence under the Health and Safety Employment Act concerning not providing a safe work environment.

Northern region health and safety manager for the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, John Howard, said the accident "serves as a warning" to all employers to put safety first when planning for and undertaking hazardous work.

"There is simply no room for complacency," Howard said.

"It was this employee's right to return home safe and well to his loved ones at the end of the working day. And this would have been possible if Fowlers Machinery had in place safe operating procedures for lifting and supporting forklifts, and ensured all workers were trained to follow these."

Howard said a "safety first attitude and culture" would have prevented the death.

"It would have ensured the company used the correct equipment for the job, including appropriate support blocks, wheel chocks, and blocks or chains for securing the elevated mast," Howard added.

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