Managing Director Paul Mealor confirmed an incident involving a forklift driver occurred onsite at the Castlemaine facility.

“First aid was applied immediately and the employee was then taken to hospital for a broken leg,” he said.

“The employee is now recovering well at home.

“We are providing ongoing support and have also worked closely with WorkSafe around the incident.”

Mr Mealor said employee safety was of primary importance to the business. 

“We are now investigating the matter further and developing a plan to ensure there is no repeat of this incident,” he said.

EARLIER: A man is recovering after a workplace injury in Bendigo.

Keech Australia chief executive officer Herbert Hermens said the man sustained a broken leg after becoming pinned between a forklift and its load.

“One of our operators was using a forklift to move a pallet and in doing so needed to make an adjustment to the load on the pallet,” Dr Hermens said. 

“He parked the forklift and proceeded to move the pallet.

“Unfortunately, the forklift moved forward and pinned him between the pallet and the forklift itself.”

The business has offered counselling to affected staff.

“Within moments of it happening many people responded to assist and, of course, we are conscious that it was a traumatic event and scene at the time,” Dr Hermens said.

The injured worker was transported to Bendigo Health and spent the night in hospital.

“Doctors are suggesting that, all being well, he should be home today,” Dr Hermens said. 

Police and WorkSafe investigated the incident.

“The company has invested a great deal of money in improving its performance in terms of the safety of its workers,” Dr Hermens said. 

Prior to the incident, Keech Australia had achieved a milestone of 200 days without any long-term injuries at the site.