Young warehouse worker killed by backing forklift

Oregon Case Report:06OR044
Release Date: April 2008

The following report is the product of our Cooperative State partner and is presented here in its original unedited form from the state. The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the individual Cooperative State partner and do not necessarily reflect the views or policy of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

SUMMARY

On November 6, 2006, an 18-year-old warehouse receiving clerk was killed after a loaded forklift struck him in a warehouse aisle. The clerk and the forklift operator were working together to prepare newly received merchandise for storage and shipment. After a morning break, the forklift operator drove into the storage area, loaded the last pallet, and began backing down the aisle at a slight angle. Looking over his shoulder, the operator saw the warehouse clerk walking up the aisle toward him. The operator yelled at the clerk, made eye contact, and hit the brakes and tried to steer away. The forklift struck the warehouse clerk and pinned him against a metal shelf. First aid was provided while waiting for emergency responders. The victim died on the way to the hospital.

Young warehouse worker killed by backing forklift [PDF 157 KB]