Ref No.: 010620 (1)
UEN: S97SS0046G
Dear Valued ASPRI Members,
Accident Notification: Worker caught between lorry and forklift
On 28 May 2020, a worker was within his forklift, attempting to open the door of a lorry that was beside his forklift, when the forklift suddenly reversed, trapping the worker between the door of the lorry and the chassis of the forklift. The injured worker was conveyed to the hospital where he eventually succumbed to his injuries.
The Ministry of Manpower has commenced investigations into the accident.
Employers and principals are advised to put in place the necessary risk controls to protect workers from injury during forklift operations. To prevent accidental movement of the forklift, the safe work procedure must require forklift operators to engage the parking brake and switch off the engine once the forklift is parked. The use of seat sensing technology may be used to ensure that the forklift can be operated only if the operator is seated. Forklift operators must stay within the forklift cage with seat belts fastened so long as the engine is running.
Information on the accident is based on preliminary investigations by the Ministry of Manpower as at 1 June 2020. 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 any liability on any party nor should it be taken to encapsulate all the responsibilities and obligations under the law.