A Queensland factory worker has been granted partial compensation for injuries sustained while riding a pallet jack like a scooter.

The man had been denied compensation because riding a pallet jack like a scooter was considered serious misconduct

News Corp media outlets report that the worker was returning the pallet jack for the next driver to use, and decided to deliver it in an unconventional manner.

While operating the pallet jack against its intended purpose, a co-worker took it upon himself to kick sideways at one of the jack’s tines.

This caused the driver to lose control of the handles and fall off, injuring his back when he hit the ground.

The appeal was partly won because the man argued he was unaware of the consequences that could result from his action.

The worker and several witnesses said riding a pallet jack like a scooter was common at the warehouse.

This was strongly denied by the operations manager and warehouse supervisor, who have obligations to keep the work space safe.

Work Safety Commissioner Glenys Fisher agreed that riding a pallet jack like a scooter did sometimes happen, but management did not do anything to warn workers about the risks.