Almond Grower Charged Over Forklift Injury

What happened?

WorkSafe Victoria has charged Olam Orchards Pty Ltd following a serious workplace incident involving a forklift at its almond processing facility near Carwarp, south of Mildura. The incident occurred in July 2024, when a worker was allegedly struck by a forklift and suffered serious injuries.

Following an investigation, WorkSafe laid multiple charges against the company under Victoria’s workplace safety laws. The matter is scheduled for a filing hearing at the Mildura Magistrates’ Court.

The allegations

WorkSafe alleges Olam Orchards failed to provide and maintain a working environment that was safe and without risks to health. The company faces two charges under section 21(1) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

The regulator further alleges the company:

• Failed to provide and maintain safe systems of work
• Failed to adequately reduce the risk of collisions between powered mobile plant and pedestrians
• Did not sufficiently manage the risks associated with forklift operations in areas where workers and vehicles interacted

As with all prosecutions, these allegations are yet to be tested before the court.

Why forklift incidents remain a major risk

Forklifts are involved in some of the most serious workplace incidents across Australia. Despite being common equipment in warehouses, manufacturing facilities and agricultural operations, they can become deadly when pedestrians and mobile plant share the same space.

Many serious injuries occur because:

• Workers and forklifts operate in the same area
• Traffic management systems are inadequate
• Visibility is restricted
• Exclusion zones are not enforced
• Pedestrian routes are poorly defined

WorkSafe continues to identify vehicle and pedestrian interaction as a significant workplace hazard across multiple industries.

Safety lessons for employers

Incidents involving forklifts are often preventable when effective controls are implemented.

Employers should consider:

• Separating pedestrians from mobile plant wherever possible
• Installing physical barriers and designated walkways
• Using clear signage and traffic management plans
• Providing adequate supervision and training
• Reviewing site layouts to minimise interaction between workers and vehicles
• Conducting regular risk assessments around plant movement

The safest approach is to eliminate opportunities for forklifts and pedestrians to occupy the same operating space.

The bigger picture

Agriculture and food processing environments often involve a mix of workers, contractors, vehicles and machinery operating simultaneously. Without strong traffic management systems, the risk of serious injury increases significantly.

This case serves as another reminder that mobile plant safety is not just about operator training. It also requires thoughtful workplace design, clear procedures and ongoing supervision.

TL;DR

• Olam Orchards Pty Ltd has been charged following a serious forklift incident at its Carwarp almond processing facility.
• A worker was allegedly struck by a forklift and seriously injured in July 2024.
• WorkSafe alleges the company failed to provide a safe workplace and adequately manage the risks associated with powered mobile plant.
• The matter is listed for a filing hearing at the Mildura Magistrates’ Court on 10 June 2026.
• The case highlights the importance of separating pedestrians and forklifts through effective traffic management systems.

Source: WorkSafe Victoria, “Almond grower charged over forklift injury”, June 2026.