Forensic Engineering Analysis Of An Accident Caused By Inadequate Maintenance Of A Large Capacity Fork Lift Truck

Abstract

Forklift Trucks Are The Single Most Versatile Industrial Material-Handling Device. This Versatility Is Created By The Ability Of The Flt To Move Loads In Three Dimensions, I.E., Forward, Laterally, And Vertically. This Freedom Of Movement Is Provided By The Rear Steer Front Wheel Drive Configuration Of Flts Permitting The Flt To Move Loads Into Tight Spaces And Also By The Mast Permitting The Forks To Raise And Lower Loads For Stacking. As Part Of The Stacking Operation The Masts Of Flts Have The Capability Of Tilting Fore And Aft, Which Permits The Forks To Get Under The Load And Then Once Placed On The Forks, For The Load To Be Raised And Then Cradled By The Forks By Tilting The Mast Backwards...A Case Study Is Presented Of A Fatality Accident Involving A Large Capacity Flt (52,000 Pound Capacity) Carrying 11 Sheets Of Steel Which Were 10 x 20 x 1/4 Each Weighing Approximately 1500 Pounds. The Operator Of The Flt Set The Load At About 1416 Above The Ground, Set The Spotting Brake, And Exited The Cab To Rearrange A Number Of Wooden Spacers Upon Which He Intended To Place The Sheets Of Steel. The Mast Drifted, Causing The Forks To Angle Down, Which In Turn Permitted The Sheets Of Steel To Slide Off The Forks (Much Like A Deck Of Cards) And Strike The Worker (Previously The Operator), Resulting In His Death.