Forklift trucks—analysis of severe and fatal occupational injuries, critical incidents and priorities for prevention

Abstract

Severe occupational injuries in Victoria (Australia) over two years (Jan. 1989–Dec. 1990) and fatalities (Oct. 1987–Apr. 1990) associated with forklift trucks were analysed. The single most conspicuous injury problem was the result of interaction between vehicle and pedestrian. This was underpinned by interviews with a large number of forklift operators at seventeen industrial sites in the greater Melbourne area. The problem of hitting people seemed especially pronounced in manufacturing plants. It is concluded that forklift trucks are not subjected to systematic traffic management in the industrial environment. It is furthermore suggested that specific rules should be applied to the use of forklift trucks in freight terminals, warehouses and manufacturing plants.