Forklift Technician Crushed

A forklift shop technician was crushed when the forks of a lift he was working on fell and landed on his chest.

The experienced technician raised the mast, carriage and forks of a forklift, with an overhead crane. He then fixed these in place with a chain. He used his own chain, but did not use a second one as recommended. He was lying down with his head facing the forklift to loosen a nut on the lift cylinder. The chain broke and the carriage and forks fell, crushing the man’s chest.

The 5/16 inch chain that broke was owned and used only by the victim. It appeared to have broken because of overload and overuse. Don’t take chances. Be sure to follow written standards for testing, inspecting and protective maintenance of tools, chains and equipment.