| Last week a serious incident occurred in the Melbourne Market where a buggy and forklift collided head-on, resulting in a market user being ejected from a vehicle and suffering severe head injuries.
Fortunately, the injured person was treated in hospital and will recover, but the incident had the potential to be much worse.
The incident is a timely reminder of what businesses and individuals must do to fulfil their responsibilities regarding vehicle safety.
Businesses
- As previously communicated, all market vehicles, including electric buggies, must have appropriate restraints fitted.
- Businesses have until 30 June 2023 to ensure restraints are fitted on all electric vehicles, including golf buggies and Taylor Dunns.
- WorkSafe has advised that from July 2023, they will begin making visits to the Melbourne Market to check for compliance and will be issuing notices to those businesses operating vehicles without appropriate restraints fitted.
- Ensure all vehicles are registered with both VicRoads and the MMA. Unregistered vehicles will generally not be covered by insurance should they be involved in an incident.
Market users
- Wear a restraint at all times when operating forklifts and vehicles – if no restraint is fitted to the vehicle you are driving, ask your Business Principal when it will be added.
- Stick to roadways, do not cut across parking bays or drive on the wrong side of the road.
- Obey road rules and drive within the speed limit
- Always use headlights at night or when visibility is poor.
Everyone has the right to work in a safe environment and leave the site unharmed at the end of each day.
Do your part. Be responsible. Be MarketSafe. |
