Store owner fined after forklift collision

Media release

15 February 2013

Store owner fined after forklift collision

A company which previously operated a Taupo supermarket has been fined $22,750 with $15,000 reparation ordered following an accident where a store merchandiser was hit by a forklift - crushing his left foot and severing two of his toes.

The Taupo District Court heard that on 20 February last year a visiting merchandiser was restocking shelves at the Pak ‘n Save on Ruapehu Street prior to the store opening when he was struck from behind by a forklift. His left foot was trapped under the wheel causing crush injuries and fractures to his foot and resulting in the amputation of two toes.

The General manager Health and Safety for the Ministry’s Central region, Murray Thompson said: “Although the Defendant had a clear policy on not operating forklifts in store during opening hours and forklifts were identified on the hazard register, these steps did not adequately manage the hazard outside of normal business hours when staff, visitors and forklifts were all working in the same space.

“Prior to the store opening when the shelves are being re-stocked is a very busy time. The Defendant should have identified this and taken steps to segregate people and forklifts with clear instructions to staff and other workers.

“Many businesses work in a high pressure environment. This should not compromise the safety of employees or visitors as was the case here leaving a man seriously injured.”

[ends]

Notes to Editors
• Charge: (1) Section 15 and Section 50(1)(a) of the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992. On or about 20 February 2012 at 110 Ruapehu Street, Taupo being an employer, failed to take all practicable steps to ensure that no action or inaction of an employee while at work harms any other person in respect of the operation of a forklift.

• The Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 is available online: http://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1992/0096/latest/DLM278829.html

© Scoop Media