Characteristics of forklift accidents in korean industrial sites

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Kim, Kwan Woo

Affiliations: Occupational Safety and Health Training Institute, Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency (KOSHA), 400 Jongga-ro, Jung-gu, Ulsan 44429, Korea. Tel.:+82 10 2514 1357; Fax:+82 52 703 0344; E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: BACKGROUND:Although using forklifts in industrial sites contributes to productivity, many workers have been injured or killed owing to industrial accidents caused by forklifts. OBJECTIVE:This study analyzed the characteristics of forklift accidents by employment type and work process, thereby identifying the factors contributing to industrial accidents and providing recommendations to prevent accidents. METHODS:Data on 1,061 industrial forklift accidents occurring in 2018 collected from the national injury insurance compensation database were analyzed. In addition to analyzing the accident characteristics, this study performed a risk assessment per forklift work process. RESULTS:Many accidents were associated with older workers, those employed for < 6 months, and workplaces with ≤49 workers. The risk was the highest for accidents involving caught-in objects in the loading/unloading step and collision accidents in the forward- and backward-driving steps. CONCLUSIONS:Measures are needed to prevent industrial forklift accidents. First, forklift and worker movement routes must be strictly separated or controlled by a work supervisor. It is necessary to secure a time margin for workers to avoid collapsing cargo by using an appropriate tool/jig during loading/unloading. Second, guidance, inspection, and support are needed to promote employers’ safety and health awareness in workplaces with < 50 workers. Lastly, intensive education and training concerning health and safety is required for workers with less than six months of experience.

Keywords: Risk assessment, industrial accident, employment type, work process

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203402

Journal: Work, vol. 68, no. 3, pp. 679-687, 2021