Investigation following forklift fatality

A MAN has died in a workplace incident involving a forklift in the Sydney suburb of Matraville.

According to New South Wales Police, about 5.30am on Monday (22 September), emergency services were called to a warehouse on Military Road, Matraville, following reports a worker had been seriously injured.

Upon arrival, officers were told a man had been struck by a forklift.

The 57-year-old was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics however he died at the scene.

Police said they had established a crime scene and began an investigation into the incident.

NSW Ambulance told the ABC six emergency crews travelled to the scene, including an ambulance helicopter and the intensive care paramedic unit.

They found the man with “critical injuries to his chest”, according to the ABC. 

SafeWork NSW also was notified with a report to be prepared for the New South Wales coroner.

A spokesperson for SafeWork NSW said their investigators had been onsite and had made enquiries into the incident.

Injury from mobile plant, vehicles or fixed machinery is a 2025-26 regulatory priority for SafeWork NSW in line with its annual regulatory statement.

According to SafeWork, serious injuries and fatalities in NSW involving plant most commonly occur in industries such as transport, manufacturing, construction and agriculture.

"During 2022–23 to 2023–24, injuries involving mobile plant  (such as forklifts), vehicles or fixed machinery accounted for 10% of all workers compensation claims in NSW," the SafeWork regulatory report stated.

"In the same period almost 25% of all injuries occurred from powered and non-powered equipment, tools and appliances."