Powered Industrial Trucks – Pre-Operation Checks Fatality File

Worker Crushed by Forklift Due to Improper Pre-Operation Checks

In April 2024, a tragic incident occurred when an employee was fatally crushed by a powered industrial truck (PIT) that rolled over. The investigation revealed that the forklift had a defective parking brake, which was not identified due to the absence of a proper pre-operation inspection. As a result, the forklift moved unexpectedly, leading to the fatality.

This incident underscores the critical importance of conducting thorough pre-operation checks on powered industrial trucks. According to OSHA regulations, forklifts must be examined at least daily before being placed in service, and any defects must be reported and corrected before use. Failure to perform these inspections can result in equipment malfunctions, posing serious risks to operators and nearby workers.

Employers are responsible for ensuring that operators are trained to perform these checks and that defective equipment is promptly removed from service. Implementing comprehensive inspection protocols and fostering a culture of safety can prevent such tragedies.

Source: Osha.gov