More Forklift Accidents

Case 1: Toppled Forklift Takes a Life...
While travelling along a temporary access way in a worksite, a forklift suddenly toppled into an embankment area undergoing some excavation works. The forklift operator, who had not attended any formal training, was pinned by the forklift and died in hospital on the same day. MOM issued a full stop work order on the premises. Investigation is on-going.


Case 2: Side Loader Hits Depot Manager…
A fatal accident occurred in a factory carrying out storage and service of containers. While driving a side loader with the intention to load a container onto a trailer, the driver hit and killed a depot manager. MOM had stopped all works involving the use of side loaders in the factory. Investigation of the accident is in progress.

Fend off potential forklift accidents by picking up some priceless lessons from the past. The Japan International Center for Occupational Safety and Health (JICOSH) has developed an extensive archive of forklift case studies complete with clever illustrations and preventive tips. To lift up your knowledge on forklift accidents, click HERE.

Advisory Note (Please note that the advisory note is provided for the benefits of enhancing workplace safety and health, in no way the information is to be misconstrued as implying any liability on any party)

1. Prior to work commencement, a risk assessment shall be conducted in relation to the safety and health risks posed to any person carrying out the work.
2. Safety measures should be implemented to control the human and vehicle traffic so as to prevent accidental collision and to ensure that the boundaries between access way and excavated area are well-demarcated. Develop a traffic management plan for pedestrians and forklifts.
3. Safe work procedures must be instituted, communicated and implemented to ensure the safety and health of workers involved.
4. All counterbalanced forklift drivers must undergo all mandatory trainings and be qualified to operate forklifts.
5. Undertake all safety procedures, including pre-use checks, before starting to use the forklift. Never disable the safety features such as seat safety switches and reversing beepers.
6. Implement a control system for access to the forklift. Ignition key of forklift trucks should not be allowed to be left on the truck to allow unauthorized operation.
7. Forklifts should not be overloaded and driven with the fork raised.
8. Keep to a safe speed and never allow any passengers on a forklift.
9. Forklift operators must use seatbelts for their own safety. Hold on firmly and remain in the cabin in the event of an overturn.
10. Do not lift people using a forklift as forklifts are designed to lift and move loads.
11. Avoid turning when operating on ramps or inclines.
12. Travel in reverse when vision is blocked. Always sound the horn and slow down when approaching corners and intersections.

(This article was extracted from OSH ALert dated 26 Dec 2006 from the Ministry of Manpower, Singapore)

Falling from Height: Tilted Gondola Takes a Life

A construction worker fell to his death from a tilted gondola at a
construction worksite this year.

The tragedy happened while two workers were attempting to reposition a gondola on the external cantilevered platform at the 9th storey of a building under construction. While one of the workers had repositioned the outriggers at the top of the building, the deceased who was inside the gondola attempted to tension the cables with the climbers. As a result, the gondola tilted and the deceased plunged to his death.

Investigation by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) is still in progress.

Advisory Note
(Please note that the advisory note is provided for the benefits of enhancing workplace safety and health, in no way the information is to be misconstrued as implying any liability on any party)

1. All works involving the erection, installation, alteration and dismantling of suspended scaffold shall be undertaken by an Approved Suspended Scaffold Contractor.
2. The suspended scaffold, including its suspension ropes and climbers must be in good condition and free from defects. A maintenance programme must be implemented to ensure proper working condition of the suspended scaffold.
3. A competent person shall be appointed to carry out the necessary inspections on the
   suspended scaffold prior to use, and after any event that could affect the safe operation of the scaffold.
4. All operators of the suspended scaffold must be adequately trained in the proper use of the scaffold. All persons riding on the suspended scaffold shall be equipped with a safety harness which shall be attached to an independent lifeline at all times.
5. All handheld tools used in a suspended scaffold must be properly secured to prevent them from dropping out of the scaffold. The area below the scaffold must be cordoned off to prevent the risk of objects falling down on any persons.
6. Adequate risk assessment shall be conducted for the use of suspended scaffolds. All erectors/operators/users of suspended scaffold shall be briefed on the safe work procedures that have been established.

This article was extracted from OHS Alert dated 4 December 2006, issued by the Ministry of Manpower.

Ladder Safety

This article was adapted from the Electrical Safety - Safety and Health for Electrical Trades by Dept. of Health and Human Services, NIOSH

To prevent injury when climbing, follow these procedures:
1. Position the ladder at a safe angle to prevent slipping. The horizontal distance from the base of the ladder to the structure should be one-quarter the length of the ladder. If you don’t have a way to make this measurement, follow the steps below to determine if the ladder is positioned at a safe angle.

• Put your feet at the base of the ladder and extend your arms straight out.
• If you can touch the closest part of the ladder without bending your arms, the ladder is probably at the correct angle.
• If you have to bend your arms to touch the closest part of the ladder or if you can’t reach the ladder at all, the ladder is not positioned at a safe angle.

2. Make sure the base of the ladder has firm support and the ground or floor is level. Be very careful when placing a ladder on wet, icy, or otherwise slippery surfaces. Special blocking may be
needed to prevent slipping in these cases.
3. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for proper use.
4. Check the condition of the ladder before using it. Joints must be tight to prevent wobbling or leaning.
5. When using a stepladder, make sure it is level and fully open. Always lock the hinges. Do not stand on or above the top step.
6. When using scaffolding, use a ladder to access the tiers. Never climb the cross braces.
7. Do not use metal ladders. Instead, use ladders made of fiberglass. (Although wooden ladders are permitted, wood can soak up water
and become conductive.)
8. Beware of overhead powerlines when you work with ladders and
scaffolding.