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Fork lift truck operation

A recent incident on one of our members’ vessels occurred when working on an internal lifting tool, using a fork lift to lift and install grippers.

The gripper fell off of the forks and hit a man on his hand, causing serious crush wounds.

The main reason for the incident was that the forks were being used as a lifting tool. The grippers were attached using a rope. The rope was not secured against slipping.

Proper slings/shackles should have been used, along with a device to prevent slipping. On a similar vessel, a shoe and tie-back device is used.

The lessons learned from the incident were:

  1. use fork lift trucks for what they are designed for;
  2. use proper slings, shackles and securing devices;
  3. supervisors should check on all ongoing work.

Safety Event

Published: 2 April 2001
Download: IMCA SF 06/01

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