Abstract
A 36-year-old male electric-line technician (the victim) died after falling from and being run over by a forklift. The victim and a co-worker were moving transformers from a supply yard to a warehouse to be prepared for installation on the following day. The men had taken one transformer, sitting on a wooden pallet, to the warehouse and set the pallet down on the loading dock. On the return trip to the supply yard, the victim was standing on the forks of the forklift. As the coworker approached an intersection, he slowed down and turned his head to see if there was any oncoming traffic. When he turned his head back, he could not see the victim. He stopped the forklift, got off, and saw the victim underneath the right side of the forklift.The coworker called for help, then ran to the warehouse to get a second forklift. The coworker lifted the forklift from the victim as two men from the warehouse pulled the victim clear. The rescue squad transported the victim to the hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. NIOSH investigators conclude that, to prevent similar incidents, employers should: ensure that the employees adhere to existing regulations pertaining to forklifts, and; encourage all workers to actively participate in workplace safety.
