A worker suffered serious crush injuries after a forklift fell from a jack stand while they were working beneath the machine, prompting a safety advisory from WorkSafe Queensland as investigations continue.
The incident occurred in November 2025, with early information indicating the worker was performing work underneath a forklift that had been raised using a trolley jack and supported by a jack stand.
While the worker was lying beneath the vehicle, the forklift reportedly slid off the jack stand and fell, causing crush injuries to the worker’s head.
According to WorkSafe, these findings are preliminary, and the exact cause remains under investigation.
In its advisory, the body is highlighting the significant risks associated with raising vehicles or heavy plant for servicing and repair. Serious crush injuries can occur when vehicles drop or roll from hoists, trolley jacks or axle stands, particularly if equipment is used on sloping or uneven ground or positioned incorrectly.
Incidents can also occur when lifting equipment fails, is overloaded, or is not properly maintained. Other contributing factors may include failing to engage the park brake, not chocking wheels, or instability caused by heavy loads, attachments or vehicle modifications.
The risk increases substantially when workers operate close to or beneath raised plant.
“Many of these incidents have occurred due to poor planning of the lifting operation – often because basic factors have been overlooked,” WorkSafe Queensland said.
“Effective risk management starts with a commitment to health and safety from those who manage the business. If an incident occurs, you will need to show the regulator that you have used an effective risk management process.”
The regulator emphasised that trolley jacks, scissor jacks and bottle jacks are not designed to hold vehicles while work is performed underneath. Once a vehicle is lifted, it should be supported using appropriately rated axle stands or equivalent systems.
Additional controls include ensuring workers are trained and supervised in the safe use of lifting equipment, using manufacturer-specified lifting points, applying the handbrake, placing the vehicle in park or neutral, and chocking wheels on both sides.
Workplaces should also ensure lifting equipment is properly maintained, inspected by a competent person and used on stable, level ground capable of supporting the load.
