Worker crushed between forklift and overhead beam

On 7 July 2022, a worker was standing on the rear of a forklift to hang a cable on an overhead beam. However, the forklift suddenly moved backwards, resulting in the worker being crushed between the forklift and the beam. He died at the hospital.

Overview of the accident which occurred at a newly constructed multi-storey carpark.

Recommendations

Using the wrong equipment at work can result in serious injuries or even death. Forklifts should only be used to move goods on pallets. Forklifts are not meant for workers to gain access to higher work areas; use ladders or work platforms instead. Consider the following measures to prevent similar accidents:

● Safe work platform: Use a proper work platform for tasks requiring work at height.

● Safe Work Procedure: Develop a Safe Work Procedure (SWP) for the task. Communicate the SWP to workers and provide supervision to ensure the SWP is followed.

● Competent forklift operator: Allow only competent and authorised operators to operate forklifts. Ensure all forklift operators have completed the necessary certifications such as the Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) Operate Forklift Course. Forklift operators should never allow workers to stand on the forks or at the rear of the forklift.

● Preventive maintenance: Forklift servicing and maintenance should be carried out regularly according to the manufacturer’s recommendation. This is to prevent sudden forklift failure which can create an unsafe situation.

● Safe worker behaviour: Implement a behavioural observation and intervention initiative at your workplace. Encourage workers to look out for one another and empower them to stop the work should they come across an unsafe behaviour.

For more information, please refer to WSH Council’s Code of Practice for Working Safely at Heights, WSH Guidelines on Safe Operation of Forklift Trucks and WSH Guide to Behavioural Observation and Intervention.

* Information on the accident is based on preliminary investigations by the Ministry of Manpower as at 12 July 2022. This may be subject to change as investigations are still on-going. Please also note that the recommendations provided here are not exhaustive and they are meant to enhance workplace safety and health so that a recurrence may be prevented. The information and recommendations provided are not to be construed as implying liability on any party nor should it be taken to encapsulate all the responsibilities and obligations under the law.

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