Geelong Citrus Packers Fined $50,000 for Forklift Incident Causing Serious Worker Injury

Incident Overview

In July 2021, a worker at Geelong Citrus Packers in Victoria was seriously injured when a load of empty fruit bins fell from a forklift onto him while he was washing a truck in the company’s loading area. The worker sustained fractures and spinal injuries.

Following a WorkSafe investigation, Geelong Citrus Packers pleaded guilty to two counts of failing to provide or maintain safe systems of work and was fined $50,000 in the Geelong Magistrates Court in December 2023.

Following a WorkSafe investigation, Geelong Citrus Packers pleaded guilty to two counts of failing to provide or maintain safe systems of work and was fined $50,000 in the Geelong Magistrates Court in December 2023.

WorkSafe Victoria conducted an investigation and identified critical safety lapses. The investigation revealed that although the company had a traffic management plan in place, it was insufficient in eliminating or reducing the risk of forklifts colliding with pedestrians. Further inspections in March 2022 found ongoing lapses in forklift safety practices at the site. The court emphasised the need for a system that separates workers from areas where forklifts operate.

WorkSafe Victoria continues to monitor workplace safety compliance across Victoria’s food processing and logistics sector. Any workers or employers with concerns about forklift safety practices or traffic management at their workplace are encouraged to contact WorkSafe Victoria on 1800 136 089 or report online at worksafe.vic.gov.au.