163151 Epidemiology of forklift fatalities

Monday, November 5, 2007

Janice Windau, MS , Office of Safety, Health and Working Conditions, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Washington, DC
Background: Every year, about 120 fatal work injuries result from operating or working near forklifts. Recent data show that these fatalities are on the rise. In addition, the powered industrial truck standard is the standard Federal OSHA cites most often during inspections in a number of different industries.

Methods: Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries data for 2005 were used to compile information on worker fatalities involving forklifts. A number of variables were reviewed, including occupation, industry, and demographic characteristics of the fatally injured worker and circumstances surrounding the incident (activity of the worker at the time, how the incident occurred, location of the incident, and other objects or equipment involved). The calculation of fatality rates was also pursued.

Results: Manufacturing and construction had the highest totals, accounting for 28 and 22 percent of the total, respectively. As for occupation, laborers and hand material movers, construction trade workers, and industrial truck and tractor operators each comprised about 15 percent of the total. In about thirty percent of the cases, the fatally injured worker was operating the lift at the time of the incident. Being struck by a falling object was the most frequent fatal event.

Conclusion: In addition to targeting forklift operators, prevention efforts must also be directed towards workers who repair lifts, those who load and unload lifts, those riding on or working from forklifts, and others working in the area of forklifts.

Learning Objectives:
1. List 4 industries affected by forklift fatalities. 2. Describe 4 ways in which forklift fatalities occur. 3. Discuss some challenges in creating meaningful rates for forklift fatalities.

Keywords: Occupational Injury and Death, Occupational Safety

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No
Any institutionally-contracted trials related to this submission?

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

See more of: Occupational Epidemiology
See more of: Epidemiology