WorkSafe's investigation found Toll hadn't identified the risk of a pedestrian being hit by freight falling from forklift prongs, and that its pedestrian safety system relied on administrative controls that were ambiguous and contradictory.
The company was charged under the Health and Safety at Work Act with failing to ensure the health and safety of workers. The maximum penalty is a $1.5 million fine.
WorkSafe investigations and specialist services deputy general manager Simon Humphries said pedestrians and moving plant need to be segregated to avoid tragedy.
"This was a much-loved father and grandfather whose death would not have occurred if Toll had effective controls in place.
"Administrative controls like rules and procedures are simply not enough, pedestrians need to be segregated from forklift activity."
WorkSafe respected this was a workplace that was constantly changing with many moving vehicles, plant and personnel, but more needed to be done to keep workers safe, Humphries said.
"Fixed barriers to separate people from moving plant don't work in every workplace, but a temporary barrier and warning signage would have kept the victim outside of the dangerous area and alive."
Toll Group managing director Michael Byrne said the company deeply regretted the incident that led to the death of co-worker and colleague Paul Darroch.
"Toll pleaded guilty to the charge brought by WorkSafe. We acknowledge the pain and loss
this has caused to his family, friends and co-workers.
"Personally, and on behalf of the company, we continue to extend our sincerest condolences to Paul's family."
Since the incident, further safety improvements had been made to
ensure the risk of anything like it happening again was reduced, he said.
• Information on healthy and safe work in the transport, postal and warehousing sector is available here.
