Incident Investigation: Young Worker Run Over by Forklift | WorkSafeBC

Summary

This incident highlights significant safety violations at a rebar manufacturing facility, where a young worker was allowed to ride on the side of a forklift as an assistant. This dangerous practice, against regulatory requirements, led to a serious accident when he fell off and was run over. Key issues included the absence of a joint health and safety committee, failure to follow manufacturer instructions, inadequate training for forklift operators, and neglecting to provide proper orientation for the young worker in his new role. Employers are urged to enforce safety regulations strictly to protect their workers.

Takeaways

• 🚧 The young worker was improperly allowed to ride on the side of a forklift, violating safety regulations.
• ⚠️ Riding on a forklift can lead to serious accidents, as evidenced by the young worker falling off and getting injured.
• 📜 The Occupational Health and Safety Regulation mandates that only the forklift operator is allowed to ride the equipment, with few exceptions.
• 🔍 The employer failed to establish a joint health and safety committee, which is essential for identifying and resolving safety issues.
• 🚨 Forklift manufacturers explicitly prohibit transporting passengers outside the cab for safety reasons.
• 📚 Employers are required to provide adequate training for forklift operators, including instruction on specific workplace hazards.
• 👶 The young worker was not given the necessary orientation and training for his new position as a forklift assistant.
• 📏 Regulations require training for new or young workers when they transition to a new job with different hazards.
• ⚒️ The workplace had multiple safety issues, including a lack of compliance with manufacturer’s instructions.
• 🛡️ Employers must prioritize worker safety by adhering to regulations that limit who can ride on a forklift.

Q & A

What was the initial job assigned to the young worker?

The young worker was initially placed as a general labourer at a rebar manufacturing facility.

What change occurred in the young worker's job responsibilities?

A few weeks later, the young worker was assigned to a new job as a forklift assistant.

What safety practice was allowed by the employer regarding forklift operation?

The employer allowed the young worker to ride on the side of the forklift, which is a dangerous practice contrary to regulatory requirements.

What happened when the forklift turned?

When the forklift turned, the young worker fell off and was run over, resulting in serious injuries.

What does the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation state about riding on forklifts?

The regulation states that only the operator of mobile equipment is permitted to ride the equipment, with specific exceptions that include safety measures.

What were some of the safety issues identified at the workplace?

The workplace lacked a joint health and safety committee, did not follow the forklift manufacturer's instructions, and failed to provide adequate training for forklift operators.

Why is a joint health and safety committee important?

A joint committee is important because it helps identify and resolve safety issues within the workplace.

What specific training is required for forklift operators according to the regulations?

Forklift operators must be trained to the CSA standard specified in the regulation, which includes safe operation and instruction on workplace-specific hazards.

What orientation and training should have been provided to the young worker?

The employer failed to provide the required young or new worker orientation and training specific to the young worker's new position as a forklift assistant.

What are the potential dangers of riding as a passenger on a forklift?

Riding as a passenger on a forklift exposes workers to dangers such as falling off, being struck by objects, or being crushed between the forklift and another object.