A similar incident also occurred in the company in 2022. Image: Worksafe Victoria
The original fine imposed on a refrigerated transport and storage company after a worker was seriously injured has more than duplicated, after an appeal.
In June 2023, an lift truck was being used to download a truck on the entrance path of Dandenong Deposit of Minus1 Refrigerated transport PTY LTD when it was reversed in a worker walking in the same direction.
The worker’s right leg was dragged under the forklift and then ran again when the forklift was driven forward. The worker suffered partially breakdown in the calf, a fractured and fractured tibia ankle.
In October 2024, the Refrigera transport Minus1 PTY LTD received a fine of $ 20,000 without conviction in the Dandenong magistrates court after declaring themselves guilty of a single charge of not providing or maintaining a safe work system and without health risks.
After Minus1 appealed the fine, the original prayer was set aside. The County Court imposed a conviction and a fine of $ 50,000 on Friday, February 28, 2025, for a crime under S21 (1) and 21 (2) (a) of the 2004 Occupational Health and Safety Law (Vic). The company was also ordered to pay $ 4575 in costs.
Worksafe research discovered that the entrance area was not a designated load and download zone, however, the practice had previously occurred there.
According to Worksafe, it was reasonably possible that Minus1 has implemented a traffic management plan that assured that an exclusion zone of three meters between pedestrians and mobile plants was maintained; and to ensure that the load and discharge of the vehicle only occur in designated areas.
The Court also heard that the company was previously fined $ 20,000 without condemnation for a similar incident, when a truck driver suffered broken ribs and fractured vertebrae after being hit by an inverse lifting wheelletter in 2022.
The big platforms contacted Minus1 to comment and they were told that measures had been taken after the 2024 incident. “After the incident, we adopted a collaborative and cooperative approach to Worksafe and we have tried to take all possible steps to minimize the risk for staff, customers and the public in the future,” said a minus1 spokesman.
“In his sentence comments, the Court said we are of good character; work diligently in security in a very regulated industry; have an impressive and dedicated OH & S team; and have cooperated with Worksafe. “
The spokesman continued: “During our 35 years of history, we are very proud of our” frequency rate of injury in the lost time of the industry “, which has been maintained despite the recent substantial operational growth. The safety of our staff, customers and the public is at the forefront of everything we do, within an industry that we recognize entails the potential for serious damage. This unfortunate incident We continue doing everything possible to make our workplace safer. “
Minus1 added that the company remains focused on learning from the incident and continuing to support staff members and their families involved.
Speaking about the safety of lifting wheelbarrows, the Executive Director of Health and Safety of Worksafe, Sam Jenkin, said there were no excuses not to properly separate the lifting wheelbarrows and pedestrians.
“Our data show that, on average, more than one worker is seriously injured in incidents that involve lifting wheelbarrows, which is simply unacceptable when the ways of controlling the risk are easily adopted and a relatively low cost is easily adopted,” Jenkin said.
“It is incredibly disappointing that a second person has been injured due to the lack of implementation of basic security measures to keep pedestrians out of danger.”
Worksafe also offered advice for employers who use mobile plants such as lifting trucks. He says they should ensure:
- There is a traffic management plan for pedestrians and mobile plants with food and that is reviewed and updated as appropriate.
- Pedestrians are separated from mobile machinery and that an effective communication system between operators, transport contractors and land personnel is in place.
- The signage is in place and barriers are erected when appropriate.
- Visibility problems are identified and controlled, particularly if the lighting is poor.
- The workers operating the equipment have appropriate high -risk work licenses, as necessary.
- Machinery and vehicles and inspected and regularly maintained by an adequately qualified person.
- Employees and health and safety representatives are consulted on health and safety problems.
