Sunday, February 8, 2015

YOUNG WAREHOUSE WORKER KILLED BY BACKING FORKLIFT



  A narrow-aisle stand-up lift truck was backing down a warehouse aisle with a loaded pallet when the warehouse clerk in this incident walked into the aisle





YOUNG WAREHOUSE WORKER KILLED BY BACKING FORKLIFT





 An 18-year-old warehouse receiving clerk was killed after a loaded forklift struck him in a warehouse aisle. The clerk and the forklift operator were working together to prepare newly received merchandise for storage and shipment. 




After a morning break, the forklift operator drove into the storage area, loaded the last pallet, and began backing down the aisle at a slight angle.  Looking over his shoulder, the operator saw the warehouse clerk walking up the aisle toward him. 



The operator yelled at the clerk, made eye contact, and hit the brakes and tried to steer away. The forklift struck the warehouse clerk and pinned him against a metal shelf. 




First aid was provided while waiting for emergency responders. The victim died on the way to the hospital.






 CAUSE OF DEATH:



Severe blunt chest trauma 



RECOMMENDATIONS:



Forklift operators must always look in the direction of travel and keep a clear view.



• Employers must ensure that workers know to stay clear of operating forklifts.



• Employers should closely supervise new workers to reinforce safe work practices.





ALWAYS REMEMBER:
WHEN AN EMPLOYEE IS KILLED OR INJURED BY A PREVENTABLE WORKPLACE HAZARD, THIS IS NO ACCIDENT.  IT MEANS THE EMPLOYER FAILED TO PROTECT WORKERS FROM DANGERS THAT CAN CAUSE INJURY, ILLNESS OR, NEEDLESS DEATH