Fatal Work-Related Injuries from Tipover

Operator head slapped against floor it was not struck by forklift Mast or overhead protection structure struck victim Part of lift truck other than the mast or overhead guard struck victim No mention of what victim struck or what struck victim 

Most lift trucks have four wheels however, the stability of the lift truck is controlled by the two front wheels and the center of the rear axle. The front wheels carry the load the rear wheels are for steering. The center of gravity is one of the major problems with forklifts. Speeds as low as 5 mph can tip a lift truck. Forklifts have a narrow wheel base, which contributes to tipover. 

For operator protection, the lift truck manufacturers recommend the following operator guidelines in the event of tipover  

For a stand-up-operated lift truck, the manufacturers recommend that the operator step out of the rear of the lift truck in event of a tipover. The entrance for the operator in a narrow-aisle truck would provide an open access to an immediate exit. However, there may be a few situations where exiting the truck could provide for more danger to the operator. 

For this reason, seat belts on counter-balance trucks have become the norm. In addition to a seat belt is a modified operator s seat that includes a wrap-around shoulder support system, referred to as a wing seat. On other models, the base of the seat may be modified to include bolsters on each side to prevent the body from sliding out of the seat during tipover. The operator would still have to brace his feet, hold onto the steering wheel, and lean away from the tilt. It should be noted that a tipover occurs in approximately 1.5 seconds. This does not provide much time for anyone to plan response actions once the tipover has begun. As a result of the seat and seat belt improvements, the operator is provided with an added margin of safety. 

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Table 10-8. Fatal Work-Related Injuries Involving Lift Trucks Investigated by OSHA 1984-89 — Mechanism of Physical Injury from Tipover or Rollover...

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