Mitolo Group Pty Ltd fined $180,000 after worker pinned between two forklifts and crushed

A worker at a potato processing facility said he now lives a despairing existence after a horrific work accident.

Generic forklift driving pic. Picture: Unsplash

A worker at a potato processing facility said he now lives a despairing existence after he suffered severe injuries when he was crushed by forklifts.

Mitolo Group Pty Ltd, who is based in Penfield Gardens, was fined $180,000 by the South Australian Employment Tribunal for their insufficient safety measures.

During sentencing, the court heard the victim and another worker were working as forklift operators at the worksite on May 30, 2022.

The other worker was offloading an empty potato bin from a forklift in the “specials” handling area.

The victim, who was behind the other worker, disembarked from his forklift in the same area to collect his gloves.

“(The other worker) began to reverse his forklift, which collided with (the victim) at the rear of his forklift, pinning (the victim) between the two forklifts,” Deputy President Stephen Lieschke said.

The other worker then drove forward slightly which allowed the victim to be released.

The victim was transported to the Royal Adelaide Hospital where he underwent multiple surgeries for his injuries and remained in hospital for approximately two weeks.

He suffered multiple fractures to his pelvis and spine and wasn’t expected to make a full recovery.

“(The victim) describes the loss of his active and satisfying life from before the incident, and the despairing existence he now has,” Deputy President Lieschke said.

“He is now always in terrible pain. He is depressed, isolated, and unable to work … He needs an aid to help with walking.”

Following an investigation by SafeWork SA, Mitolo pleaded guilty to failing to provide a safe work environment.

They admitted their safety procedures and controls were insufficient to prevent the victim’s serious injuries.

The court heard Mitolo spent about $500,000 on improvements following the incident, including lowering the forklift speed limit and creating a designated safe stopping zone for forklift drivers.

“Mitolo recognised the hazards of two forklifts operating in the “specials” area at the same time, and so allowed only one in that area from then on,” Deputy President Lieschke said.

Deputy President Lieschke said the hazard of a forklift collision with a person created a real risk of serious permanent injury and potentially, death.

However, he noted Mitolo responded compassionately to the victim through various forms of support and believed the company had very good prospects of future compliance.

Mitolo was fined $180,000 and a conviction was recorded.

Originally published as Mitolo Group Pty Ltd fined $180,000 after worker pinned between two forklifts and crushed