Proper Forklift Training is a Must!

A drill press operator was working at his bench, cutting out wood frames for use in manufacturing furniture. Immediately behind him were several large piles of various sheets of plywood used in the construction of these units.

According to testimony an individual being trained to operate a forklift vehicle attempted to lift a portion of plywood paneling from the top of one of these piles. For some reason, this movement resulted in the pile of lumber being tipped forward. A large number of sheets of this material fell onto the drill press operator, driving him forward. His head apparently struck the metal table at which he was working.

He was immediately removed from this area and transported to the hospital but he died as a result of multiple skull fractures and brain lacerations.

No trainee should drive a fork lift without supervision. Forklift drivers must be trained and tested in all aspects of forklift operation.