Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Report for Massachusetts: Operator Dies When Caught Between Mast and Cage of Forklift in a Massachusetts Warehouse

摘要

On November 23, 1998, a 40 year old male forktruck operator died of injuries sustained when he was caught between the mast and the cage of his forklift truck. He was placing a load in a narrow row when the load became stuck. The forklift truck operator apparently placed the load on the floor, backed up the truck, tilted the mast forward and stood up between the mast and the cage in an attempt to see over the load. His foot somehow caught on the lever which controlled the mast causing the mast to tilt toward the cage crushing the victim. The victim was found by a co-worker who summoned for help. The MA FACE Program concluded that to prevent similar future occurrences: Employers should examine plant layout to eliminate hazardous conditions. Manufacturers of forklift trucks should consider the following safety improvements: (1) The addition of a guard on the front of the operator's area; and, (2) Connecting the seat safety switch to the hydraulic load controls in such a way that the levers cannot be operated when the operator is not in the seat. (3) Employers should develop, implement, and enforce a comprehensive safety program that includes, but is not limited to, a thorough hazard analysis and utilization of controls particular to the job.