Case Study:

A forklift operator was transporting a stack of 720 Kgs steel and wire scrap in a form of a mesh using a 2-ton capacity forklift operated by LP gas as fuel. The driver was on a rush, therefore after picking up the stack, he raised the forks of the forklift as it moved towards the factory entrance. As the result, the forklift tilted and overturned. The deceased was pinned by the forklift and he died from his injuries. It was unknown why the deceased had raised the load when he was approaching the entrance, as there was sufficient overhead and side clearance at the entrance of the factory building for forklift truck with the load to pass.

Investigation revealed that the forks were about 4 meters above ground when it overturned. Fresh abrasion marks and matching paint flakes left on the backrest for the forks of the forklift suggests it had hit the girder of the overhead travelling crane located just before the entrance. It is to be noted that floor at the entrance was dry and there was no tyre break marks on the floor. The forklift was serviced 3 months ago prior to the accident and the forklift operator completed the forklift operation course 1 year ago.

Answer the following Questions:

Analyze the accident (accident causes, suggested actions and persons to carry out these actions)?(4 Marks)

Apply the domino effect to find out the different causes of the accident (immediate, underlying and root)? (3 Marks)

In such an accident, which OSHA form(s) should be used and for what purposes?(2 Marks)

What is the class of this forklift? Is it suitable for such tasks?(3 Marks)

If you are the person-in-charge, what actions you should take to prevent the recurrence of such an accident (3 Marks)

State at least two lessons that can be learned from this accident? (3 Marks)

According to OSHA, who will be held accountable for this accident? (2 Marks)