Workplace accident costs firm $272,000

Auckland-based transport & logistics company Kuehne + Nagel has been fined $272,000 following a workplace accident with a forhoist.

Employer group Employers Assistance outlined that a WorkSafe investigation found a truck driver, who was collecting goods, was struck by a reversing forkhoist and suffered several fractures to his left foot.

Kuehne + Nagel had a responsibility under the Health and Safety at Work Act for those truck drivers and other workers coming on to their site, WorkSafe deputy general manager investigations Simon Humphries reportedly said in a statement.

“Traffic management should be a paramount health and safety concern for businesses using them (forkhoists) and for those with vehicles moving on, off and around your workplace,” he noted.

Of the total fine, Employer Assistance suggested only $20,000 was given for reparation to the injured party.

Traffic management plans need to cover the physical attributes of who drives where and demarcations between pedestrians and vehicles, it was suggested. Additionally, training and communication of such plans to all workers who are exposed to these risks, including non-employees, should also be covered, the group added.