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This page is intended to provide WHS information and comments to ensure safe working environments across all sites that Infronts candidates work from.

Have a comment or wish to report an accident or near miss?  Please email whs@infrontstaffing.com and we will post all relevant comments in the forum below (chronologically from bottom to top).

Click here to download a copy of the Infront Accident/Injury report.

  • 20/5/22: Moving forklifts – the 3m rule.  Always remember to keep a minimum of 3m away from a moving forklift, this is as much the responsibility of the pedestrians as it is the driver of the forklift.
  • 18/2/22: Always remember your form when lifting, even if not a heavy load!  Bend knees (not your back), get as close to the load as possible, lift with your legs (not your back), keeping your back straight at all times.  Do not try to lift anything that is too heavy for you, request assistance from someone if a 2 person lift.  Dont twist when carrying a load and carry the load close to your chest, not any higher.  Put the load down by bending your knees again (not your back!).
  • 22/11/21: License to operate high risk machinery – remember that even if you are licensed you cannot operate machinery that requires a license without having the license on you.  If an inspector finds you operating without your ticket on you, both you and the host employer can be fined.
  • 16/9/21: Forklift operation – the must do’s:
    • Ensure you have your license on you whenever operating a forklift
    • Wear seat belt
    • Never move with tines raised
    • Look over both shoulders when reversing
    • Sound horn whenever necessary, particularly with blind spots
    • Operate at safe speeds
    • Do not operate a moving forklift within 3m of other staff
  • 22/6/21: Forklift seat belts – reminder that these must be worn each and every time you sit down on a forklift.  This is a mandatory part of operating a forklift and you will be in breach of safety policies if found not wearing.
  • 20/5/21: PPE – a reminder to everyone to ensure you always wear the necessary PPE on site.  Infront policy is that this is at a minimum high visibility vest/shirt, and steel capped footwear.  If any other PPE is required such as gloves, eye wear, head protection, please ensure you wear these before commencing tasks.  If you do not have these please ask the site supervisor or contact Infront on 1300 014 898.
  • 5/4/2021: Remember to report all accidents/near misses as soon as they occur.  This is critical to ensure safety/rectification of the issue and any necessary reports that should be submitted.
  • 2/12/2020: COVID19 symptoms – please remember that any signs of COVID (runny nose, cough, headache, fever…means you should be checked to minimise any chance of spreading the virus to those around you.
  • 27/08/2020: Infront COVID Safe Plan
  • 05/08/2020: COVID19 & face masks – Wearing a face covering helps keeps you and others safe.  Corona virus (COVID19) is spread from close contact with a person with Corona virus.  Face coverings help stop droplets spreading when someone speaks, coughs or sneezes, including someone who has Corona virus but feels well.  The best way to protect other people against Corona virus is keeping 1.5 metres apart, wash your hands regularly, and cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue.  Face coverings are an additional protective physical barrier to protect you and those around you.
  • 24/03/2020: Updated Toolbox document including revised social distancing
  • 24/03/2020: Please see below links for helpful information regarding Carona Virus
  • 16/03/2020:  Corona Virus:  Please click here for important information provided to all crews and staff working for Infront regarding the Carona Virus and safety measures that need to be adhered to, this is critical for the health and safety of everyone.  Key points – please use hand sanitiser wherever possible, refrain from touching your face, minimise contact with others and maintain as much distance as possible.  If you feel unwell of have any flu like symptoms, please advise the Infront office immediately on 1300 014 898.
  • 25/11/2019:  It is important to note that if you are injured at work, it is your responsibility and obligation to stick strictly to your return to work program so that your recovery is as quick and effective as possible.  This will assist in getting you back to a normal, healthy and functional lifestyle as soon as possible.  Please make sure to attend all GP and specialist appointments, follow instructions and rehab plans and communicate with your employer so that they are aware of your progress and can organise anything needed to help your recovery.
  • 27/10/2019: Safety Return To Work Poster
  • 23/08/2019: Stay alert on and around forklifts – please read and take note.
  • 10/08/2019: The following link provides stats issued by Safe Work Australia regarding fatalities on work sites.  The Warehousing industry average is amongst the highest of all industries.  Please make sure to be safety aware at work at all times, report any safety concerns you come across and never carry out any work you do not believe to be safe… Safe work Australia fatality statistics
  • 29/07/2019: Drugs & Alcohol in the workplace – a recent article from Safe Work Australia.  Please remember that it is Infront policy that no worker is to be onsite under the influence of drugs or alcohol.  This is reinforced by host sites and many have drug testing policies in place.  Please do not jeopardise your job or the safety of you and your colleagues by being at work under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.
  • 10/06/2019: An accident occurred at a site today which caused a significant cut and injury to an employees hand.  The injury occurred while sorting and separating different knives (in packaging) into their different types.  While the host employer stated the process was safe as the knives were packaged securely, the accident still occurred when candidate advised the packaging came away from one of the knives.  Please note the following: Always follow safety procedures and do not deviate from instructions provided by your supervisors.  If at any time you believe you are asked to do something that you are not comfortable doing or feel is unsafe, stop immediately and advise your site supervisor.  If that does not provide a safe process outcome, please do not continue and contact Infront immediately.
  • 28/05/2019: Fatigue in the workplace – information posted on the Safe Work Australia website.  Please advise Infront at any time if you believe you are being requested to carry out working hours that are not safe.  It is your duty to make sure you get enough rest between shifts aswell!  Please report any concerns regarding extra hours or the pace of work being requested as fatigue leads to accidents and injuries.
  • 15/04/2019: More video showing what can go wrong on a forklift.  Again the message is think carefully about safety when operating a forklift and always remain at least 2 metres away from moving machinery in the warehouse environment.
  • 22/03/2019: Forklift Blunders – some entertaining footage of the damage and possible accidents that can occur by not being smart and responsible when operating a forklift.  Most if not all of what is shown in this video could have easily caused major injury or even death to people working on the forklift and in the warehouse.  Please think carefully about your training when operating a forklift and never do anything without assessing loads, environment around you and the basic safety rules of operating these machines.
  • 12/02/2019:  Link to our Safe Work Method Statements for your additional reference:Forklift General Safety Container SWMS
  • 31/1/2019: 8 warehouse safety hazards and what to do.  Be aware of your work place surroundings and the environment you are in at all times,  it only takes a split second for something to go wrong if you or a colleague are not focused on what is happening in the warehouse.  More often than not, accidents can be avoided by being safety conscious and staying alert to the things that are happening around you.
  • 20/12/2018: Is your forklift license current?  Have you received a letter from SafeWork advising to renew your forklift license before it expires?  Please remember that you cannot operate a forklift without a current valid Australian forklift license, regardless of your experience or if you only need to operate for one small task, it is illegal to operate a forklift if you do not hold a current license.  Make sure to follow up and do not let your license expire as you will have to go through the licensing process again which is costly and time consuming.
  • 14/11/2018: Please remember that safety is everyones responsibility, if you see a hazard or potential risk, please report it to your supervisor or to Infront immediately so that the issue can be addressed before an accident occurs.   How to avoid the most common warehouse safety hazards
  • 22/10/2018: Article from on overseas publication which reiterates common sense but critical stay safe practices when working in areas that forklifts operate.  Please have a read through and remember, forklifts are not cars – they are far more dangerous and cause significantly more harm when involved in accidents Safety Article.
  • 18/09/2018 – PPE:  Some sites do not insist on wearing PPE.  Please note that regardless of the site policy, anyone working for Infront is required to wear steel capped safety boots and high vis vest/shirt/singlet whenever carrying out a shift that we have rostered you for.  This is to help maintain your safety and we suggest you make it your own policy at other sites aswell. Simple accidents can happen and it is in all workers best interest to minimise the chance of injury by ensuring protective clothing is worn at all times while on a worksite.  Please note that if you are found to be working on site for us without PPE, we will unfortunately not be able to offer further work to you, so please ensure you follow this strict policy.
  • 31/7/2018 – Speed signs/limits are in place on sites to protect you and everyone else.   There are blind spots and moving vehicles, machinery and people can appear very quickly without warning.  Please always adhere to speed limits to minimise the risk of collisions which could result in serious injury and or damage.
  • 1/6/2018 – Information about SafeWork licenses: click here
  • 6/01/2018 – SafeWork NSW has launched a forklift safety blitz following three deaths and more than 1300 injuries in two years due to poor forklift operational practice – see here for more information.
  • 18/01/2018 – Just to make sure everyone has a clear understanding of the 2 metre policy regarding minimum distance required by anyone not operating a moving forklift, please click here.
  • 23/11/2017 – We need to reiterate – Please under no circumstances is anyone to stand within 2 metres of a moving forklift (some sites will have a policy of even more than this which you must of course adhere to when on site). An incident has occurred today where a warehouse staff member was guiding a forklift with a wide load and in doing so has had his finger caught in a pinch point which has caused serious damage to the top of one of his fingers.  Had he remained at least 2 metres away from the forklift this would not have happened.  If you see other staff members failing to adhere to this policy please advise them to move away for the safety of themselves and all other staff in the area.
  • 21/10/2017 – Even small hazards or accidents can pose a risk to your safety and health.  A staff member recently scraped his toe when he trod on a nail whilst on a construction site.  The individual was fine and worked for the rest of the day before attending a medical centre to have a Dr review his injury and get a tetanus shot and then returned to work the next day with no loss of work time due to his minor injury.  Always keep in mind the importance of being aware of all your surrounding and the potential dangers whilst working on a construction site – or any work site for that matter.  We also remind everyone of the importance of reporting to us and accidents or near misses, even when the end result does not cause injury.  Thanks to the staff member and the host employer for keeping Infront informed and following the correct process of reporting all injuries or near misses.
  • 14/08/2017 – Message to everyone….Forklifts are not designed to lift people, whether there is an empty pallet to stand on or not.  This is dangerous not only to the person being lifted and the fork operator, but also to anyone else in the warehouse/working area.  This is clearly stated in the process of obtaining a forklift license for obvious reasons.  Anyone found to be doing this while working at an Infront site will have their work with us terminated immediately in the best of interest of safety for everyone.  Please, under no circumstances is there to be anyone other than the forklift operator on any part of the forklift.
  • 10/7/17 – meeting minutes from WHS committee quarterly meeting click here.
  • 5/7/17 – Another forklift safety issue that all warehouse staff need to keep in mind.  If a forklift operator is carrying a load that is large enough to block forward sight lines, the safest way to move the load is by looking over the shoulder and moving in reverse to where the load needs to be moved.  Driving forwards without being able to see what is in front of you is dangerous and as with any fork accidents, could lead to serious injury or fatality.  Please remember that the force and weight of a forklift with no load can crush what is in its way, even at slow speeds and let alone with a load.  Please always maintain clear lines of sight around you when operating a forklift and as always, pedestrians stay at least 2-3m away from moving forklifts.
  • 6/6/17 – Forklift safety video which highlights the damage a forklift can cause if it hits or runs over you.  Key points:
    • Driver sightlines on forklifts – not everything is visible, pedestrians and drivers should always look both ways, pedestrians should maintain a safe working distance from forklifts, basically stay away from them wherever possible.
    • Forklifts are not like regular vehicles – they turn differently and are several times the weight of a regular car.
    • Watch the damage caused in the demonstrations they show – bones are literally crushed when pinned or run over by a fork.
  • 29/5/2017 – The most dangerous industries to work in – we came across this article which while from two years back, highlights the most dangerous industries to work (click here).  Note that transport, warehousing and construction rate as the top second and third most dangerous industries and again need to make sure that everyone remain vigilant with work safety.
  • 23/5/2017 – Interesting WHS article highlighting the increasing focus on WHS and the penalties associated with non compliance Again everyone involved is responsible for WHS, please let us know if you see or are concerned by any safety aspect in your workplace.  Communication is key and notifications aswell as regular site inspections will assist in minimising hazards and risks on site…..click here
  • 18/4/2017 – A reminder to all employees that all incidents (accidents / near misses) must be reported to us immediately so that we notify host employers, investigate and implement or correct any process/procedures necessary.  Click here to download a copy of the Incident Report and again please contact us immediately on 02 8252 7565.
  • 21/3/17 – Meeting minutes from quarterly WHS committee meeting click here
  • 8/3/17 – Your safety is also your responsibility:  No matter how much policy, procedure, inductions, signage, supervision and overall WHS is put in place by employers, everyone needs to remember that they must also not only be aware, but contstantly focused on maintaining theirs and their colleagues safety at all times.  Today we had a serious incident in which an employee was injured after falling off the side of a forklift that they were hanging onto while being driven by someone else.  The people involved not only disregarded the principles of forklift safety they would have learnt when training for their forklift license, but also disregarded instructions by site management after being warned not to do this earlier in the day.  In addition to this, their actions went against every policy included in Safe Work Method Statements on the safety of forklift operation, site policy and Infonts policy which dictates that everyone should remain at least 2 metres away from a moving forklift.   The end result was a broken foot in two places after coming off the forklift awkardly and having the machine roll over the persons foot.  Needless to say, the injury could have been far worse and even resulted in a fatality had the fall occurred in a different way.  What we need to reemphasise from this is again that you must stay at least 2 metres away from a moving forklift, and that you must work with safety in mind at all times.  Failure to do so is not acceptable and we will not be prepared to offer work to individuals who do not take safety in the workplace seriously.  Please remember that safety is also your responsibility, if you see colleagues not working with safety in mind or acting recklessly, please contact us immediately in the office on 02 8252 7565.
  • 9/2/17 – Return to work programs post workplace injury are essential for all businesses and all parties involved have responsibilities in ensuring workers are able to get back to work as quickly as possible once in a position to do so.  Click here for information regarding return to work programs.  Infront has a return to work management plan in place which can also be viewed here.
  • 30/01/17 – Happy new year and welcome back to our forum, we look forward to a safe 2017.We would like to make sure that you are aware of what we can all do to look out for each other in the workplace. Below is a link to a SafeWork NSW page that provides very helpful ways at looking at what we can do to start talking about any potential hazards in your workplace. Remember that Infront are here to help in any way and if you at any stage feel uncomfortable doing a task, please stop and let us know immediately.  We are contactable at all times and will make sure we either eliminate potential risk or minimise by providing alternative methods to carry the work out.  Please contact us on 02 8252 7565 if you need to discuss safety at work at any time.  Take a few minutes to review the following information.
  • 23/12/16 – From SafeWork Newsletter issue #13 – Take Forking Safety Seriously “Out of all the injuries and fatalities, a whopping 33 of them involved pedestrians. This means people working around the forklift – either onsite workers or visitors to the site – like delivery drivers and contractors.
    If you work near forklifts, you are equally at risk of being hit or crushed by the forklift or its load.
    Keep yourself away from forklifts at all times, and print out our free guide for people working safely around forklifts.

    Don’t lose your load
    Most forklift loads become unstable when a suitable attachment is not used, or when the load isn’t secured to a pallet.
    It’s crucial that you only move a stable load and use the right attachment for the load. Check out our guide for forklift operators for more info.Belt up!
    It’s simple: seatbelts save lives.
    None of the forklift operators killed in a tip-over were wearing a seat belt. Wearing a seatbelt is a simple way to prevent injury and death.
    We’re serious about forking safety, and you should be too. Visit our forklift safety page for guides, a toolbox talk, videos, licence information and more. Be sure to order our free forking safety poster to start the conversation about safety on your site.
  • 17/11/16 – From SafeWork Newsletter issue #12 – “You don’t have to be on top of a 12-storey building to be at risk of death or serious injury. A fall from just two metres – or even into a hole, trench or off the back of a truck – can prove fatal. Early this year, a bricklayer died when he fell five metres through a void at a construction site. A piece of plywood had been thrown across the void and left unsecured, leaving an ad-hoc, unplanned and totally inadequate safety system. Three steps to remember:
  • If the work can be performed from ground level, do so. Wherever possible prefabricate roofs at ground level, reduce shelving heights, pre-sling loads so you don’t have to get on the tray to load or unload trucks, and design windows so they can be cleaned safely from the ground.
  • If it’s not possible to work on the ground, use a fall-prevention device such as an elevated work platform, guard rail or scaffolding.
  • A fall-arrest system is the next best option but it must include a lanyard, harness and anchor. Check the buckle, webbing and D-rings before using it. And, make sure you’re hooked up and not just wearing a harness – yes, it happens!”
  • 16/9/16 – Link to SafeWork Newsletter issue #10 – please note in particular the last article which includes the video on manual tasks at work which provides logical but helpful information on how to avoid strains at work through every day tasks…. WorkSafe Newsletter issue #10
  • 8/9/16 – Meeting minutes from quarterly WHS committee meeting.  Click here
  • 26/8/2016 – Forklift operators a reminder to make sure you ALWAYS engage the park brake when getting off the forklift.  A simple mistake but one that could cause major damage and/or injury.  A forklift left to role away out of control is obviously going to go straight through whatever it hits, whether that is a wall, another vehicle or worse still a person.  This is one of the basic fundamental rules for safe operation of a forklift and should never be forgotten.
  • 10/6/2016 – Some important and helpful reminders from Safework NSW regarding the safe operation of forklifts.  To see the full Safework NSW Newsletter click (ISSUE # 8).   Click the following links and have a good read to learn and/or remind yourself of the must do’s when at work around forklift machinery: KEEP YOUR DISTANCE – DONT LOSE YOUR LOAD
  • 9/6/16 – Meeting minutes from quarterly WHS committee meeting.  Click here
  • 17/5/2016 – SafeWork NSW research indicates that accidents with forklifts which were fatal or caused serious injury were consistently because of the following: People were hit by a forklift because of driver error, working too close to the forklift or inadequate traffic management, people were hit by the load a forklift was moving because they were assisting to adjust an unsteady load, or the driver did not use an attachment when one was needed, the majority of operators fatally or seriously injured in a tip-over were not wearing a seat belt. The forklifts mostly tipped because operators were turning on uneven or sloping ground. ALWAYS REMEMBER: To make sure forklifts and pedestrians are separated, make sure the load is stable, or use a suitable lifting attachment if needed, and make sure operators always wear a seat belt.
  • 12/5/2016 – 2m distance rule for moving plant.  Remember to be aware of your surroundings and never to rely on others for your safety.  Click here for safe policy on working with forklifts and other mobile plant
  • 29/3/16 – Exerpt from the SafeWork NSW “SafeWork Wrap #06:
    SafeWork NSW is reminding businesses to be aware of the risks of working in wet and windy conditions following a fatality and two serious incidents.  Click here
  • 10/03/2016 – Quarterly WHS Committee meeting minutes: please click here to view minutes
  • 19/02/2016 – Near Miss: We have been advised of a second incident within a matter of two weeks where one of our workers on site has reported a Pantech truck taking a short cut through our clients dispatch area trying to avoid speed humps in the common driveway. These vehicles seem to be the same repeat offenders coming from the adjacent warehouse. Although no one has been hurt, we take these matters very seriously as we have a duty of care for employees and expect people to go home the same way they arrive to work. Safety is our number one priority for our staff. We have notified the host employer, and once again immediate action has been taken against the offending company in order to make improvements on the site.
  • 11/2/16 – Reporting near misses:  A reminder to all parties to ensure that all near misses, not just accidents are reported to your supervisors and to our office.  We were recently advised of a near miss by one of our workers on site, involving cars encroaching on forklift operation areas when they should not be, as vehicle drivers were becoming lazy and were in too much of a hurry to leave the site at the end of their shift.  Fortunately no accident occurred, however with the report of a near miss, the host employer has now made improvements on site (including additional signage & speed humps and addressed the issue in toolbox meetings), which have assisted in minimising the potential for a collision to occur.
  • 23/12/2015 – Link to the SafeWork NSW SafeWork Wrap #04 below.  The newsletter covers some interesting and informative articles regarding site inductions, working near overhead powerlines and container unpacking.  Click here.  The article regarding container unpacking also includes a safety alert video which should be viewed by anyone involved in packing or unpacking containers.
  • 11/12/2015 – Safework NSW You Tube Channel:  Safework NSW continually put out safety videos which provide helpful information to for everyone to ensure safe work sites and environments.  These include videos regarding forklift load handling, forklifts and pedestrians, storing and handling of glass sheets.  The page is updated so well worth saving the link and checking in on it when possible to keep up with helpful safety information.  Click here to link to the video page
  • 25/11/2015 – Correct manual handling technique:  Manual handling on all work sites should be done correctly to avoid injury.  Please take a look at this  link to reinforce the correct techniques for lifting and moving items manually.
  • 10/11/2015 – Moving machinery exclusion zones: To ensure your safety, please remember that it is company policy that you remain a minimum 2 metres from any moving machinery.

 

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