We're sorry, but OSHAcademy doesn't work properly without JavaScript enabled. Please turn on JavaScript or install a browser that supports Javascript.

813 Construction Worksite Safety
Skip to main content

Real-World Accident

Forklift Fatality

A foreman's 15 year-old step-son was tragically killed while the youth was operating a forklift at the warehouse. The victim was being shown how to operate the forklift and was practicing picking up and moving empty pallets. He had just unloaded a pallet in the warehouse and had picked the empty pallet off the floor when he lost control of the forklift.

The police investigator stated that the forklift suddenly went backward, crashed open a closed loading bay door and dropped four feet to the ground.

The victim fell off and the forklift landed on top of him. The victim was pinned to the ground and sustained massive chest injuries.