Olam Orchards Pty Ltd, an almond grower in Mildura, is facing two charges under s.21 of the OHS Act after a worker was struck by a forklift and seriously injured in July 2024.
Olam Orchards Australia is considered the largest grower of almonds globally with 4 million trees across 15,000ha in Australia and a further 4500ha of orchards in California, USA.
Olam’s processing plant near Carwarp, about 40km south of Mildura, is one of the world’s largest and was built to accommodate the company’s entire production in Australia.
Olam Orchards is a subsidiary of the Olam Group which is publicly listed on the Singapore Stock Exchange.
WorkSafe alleges the company breached section 21(2)(a) of the OHS Act by failing to provide and maintain safe systems of work.
It is further alleged the company breached regulation 109(1)(d) of the OHS Regulations by failing to reduce the risks associated with powered mobile plant colliding with pedestrians.
Forklifts cause more workplace deaths and injuries than any other workplace equipment. WorkSafe publishes guidance and advice for employers to safely manage the hazards associated with the use of forklifts, including:
- Forklift safety guide | WorkSafe Victoria
- Forklift legal duties | WorkSafe Victoria
- Developing a forklift traffic management plan | WorkSafe Victoria
- Forklifts: Getting on and off safely: A health and safety solution | WorkSafe Victoria
- Compliance code: Plant | WorkSafe Victoria
- Traffic management | WorkSafe Victoria
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