Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Report for New Jersey: Iron Worker Killed When Struck by a Steel Platform Falling From Two Forklift Trucks, FACE-98-NJ-073.

摘要

On August 17, 1998, a 35-year-old iron worker was killed when he was struck by a falling steel platform that was being supported by two forklift trucks. The incident occurred at a refrigerated warehouse where the victim's company had been contracted to build a steel platform to hold a refrigeration unit. The company had fabricated a 15-foot high stand with a 1,976 pound platform that was being installed in a large warehouse cold room. Borrowing three forklift trucks and operators from the warehouse, the contractor instructed the workers to position two forklifts at the opposite ends of the platform and raise it into the air. A third lift moved under the platform to position the legs. The platform slid off the forks as it was being lowered against the legs. An iron worker who was standing on the floor assisting in aligning the legs was killed instantly when he was struck across the back by the platform. NJ FACE investigators concluded that, to prevent similar incidents in the future, these safety guidelines should be followed: (1) Employers should ensure that all loads are properly positioned and secured before lifting. (2) Employers should conduct a job hazard analysis of all work tasks with the participation of the workers. (3) Contracting employers should ensure that employees work only within the limits of their training and experience. (4) Employers should ensure that forklift operators are properly trained and certified according to the new OSHA regulation 29 CFR 1910.178.