Cal/OSHA Industrial Equipment, Lift Trucks and Tractors

Case Study: In 2005, an employee of ABC Supply Company, Inc. in Los Angeles, California, was operating a high-reach, rough terrain forklift and unloading two delivery trucks, consisting of eight pallets of roofing tiles. The slope of the driveway prohibited the delivery trucks from using the driveway. The ABC Company crew unloaded the two trucks at the bottom of the driveway, and the forklift operator located the pallets at the top of the driveway. As the forklift operator was maneuvering the forklift to unload an empty pallet, witnesses observed the forklift driver losing control of his vehicle. It began traveling down the steep driveway in reverse. The witnesses stated that the wheels were not turning, but the forklift was moving backwards with its mast in a fully elevated position, when it flipped over and landed on its side. The driver was killed in the accident. It could not be determined if the forklift driver was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the accident. An accident investigation revealed that the driver was not operating the forklift in accordance with the company's standard operating procedures, and with the manufacturer's operating instructions.

Key Takeaways: To reduce the risks associated with operating industrial equipment, it is essential to follow the guidelines outlined in General Industry Safety Order 3664 and 3650, which necessitate the use of a seatbelt and prohibit the use of industrial equipment on steep surfaces. The operator should have also been following the company's and manufacturer's operating instructions.