WSH Alert -Worker thrown off forklift

Worker thrown off overturned forklift

On 23 February 2022, an operator was reversing a forklift on uneven ground within a worksite with an air compressor suspended from its fork by a sling.

The forklift subsequently overturned and threw him onto the ground. There was no seatbelt secured or any form of restraint. The operator was conveyed to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

Recommendations

Unsafe or incorrect use of a forklift can cause it to overturn. To prevent similar accidents, consider the following measures:

• Operator competency: Allow only competent and authorised operators to operate forklifts. Ensure each forklift operator has completed certifications such as the Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) Operate Forklift Course.

• Seat belt: Instruct operators to put on their seat belts once within the forklift. The seat belt prevents the operator from being thrown out of the cabin in the event of an accident. Explore the use of technology to enable the forklift to work only if the seat belt is buckled.

• Safe handling: In general, forklifts are used for handling loads placed on top of a pallet. Do not use a forklift to hoist or suspend objects, even if within the rated load capacity unless the forklift is designed for it. Slings, cables or chains should not be attached onto the forks to hang objects without manufacturer’s approval.

• Safe loading: Never exceed the forklift’s rated load capacity. Handle all loads according to the height and weight restrictions on its load chart. Always check the load for balance. Use ropes or bindings to secure the load onto the pallet as necessary.

• Safe movement: Conduct a route risk assessment to identify site hazards (e.g. uneven ground, slopes) before using the forklift. Travel with the load tilted backwards on the pallet if possible, and keep forks as low as possible to increase forklift stability. Follow the worksite’s traffic management plan.

For more information, please refer to SS 573: 2012 Code of Practice for the Safe Use of Powered Counterbalanced Forklifts, WSH Guidelines on Safe Operation of Forklift Trucks and WSH Council’s Forklift Safety Pack