Prosecution Details

Being an employer at a workplace at which there was an industrial lift truck, failed to ensure that the industrial lift truck was operated in accordance with AS2359.2.

The defendant operated a workplace at West Kalgoorlie.The defendant employed a number of persons who were required to operate industrial lift trucks in the course of their duties.

On 4 April 2001, WorkSafe received a report of an accident at the premises of the defendant. Following an investigation into the accident it was revealed that the defendant permitted a 16 year old employee to operate an industrial lift truck. AS 2359.2 requires all operators of industrial lift trucks to be at least 18 years old.

When interviewed the defendant's general manager, who had authority to speak on behalf of the defendant, stated that he was not aware of the requirement in AS 2359.2 for operators to be aged 18 years or more.

The defendant entered a plea of guilty.