Owners Corporation PS:423637R, trading as Springvale Shopping Centre, has been fined $60,000 after a worker was seriously injured when she was crushed by a forklift in a shared loading bay, despite the centre having previously identified the risks.
The incident occurred in December 2023 when a worker employed by KFL Supermarket entered the loading bay to collect a vegetable delivery. At the same time, a co-worker was operating a forklift to move stockpiles. With his vision obstructed by a load of approximately 1.4 metres high, the operator drove forward and struck the worker, crushing her against a stationary pallet. She suffered three broken ribs and spent three days in hospital.
WorkSafe’s investigation found no effective system in place to separate pedestrians from forklifts, with no designated walkways, no marked loading zones, no exclusion zones and no traffic management plan. Importantly, the shopping centre had been aware of the risks since an independent risk assessment in 2019 but had failed to implement the recommended controls.
The court heard that reasonably practicable measures included barriers, chains and line marking, designated pedestrian and vehicle routes, and exclusion zones for forklift operations.
WorkSafe Chief Health and Safety Officer Sam Jenkin said it was unacceptable that the centre had identified serious risks but had failed to act, leaving workers exposed to the risk of serious injury or death for years.
The case also highlights that owner corporations have OHS obligations when managing common workplace areas, regardless of whether they operate for profit.
KFL Supermarket, which employed both workers, was separately fined $43,000 without conviction in January 2026 for failing to provide employees with the necessary information, instruction and training to perform their work safely.
This incident highlights the importance of effective traffic management plans, physical separation of pedestrians and mobile plant, clear signage and consultation with workers and health and safety representatives.
Read more: Shopping centre fined following forklift injury | WorkSafe Victoria