Alert 98 – 06 Forklift Safety
WHAT HAPPENED:
A senior rig toolpusher was operating the rig forklift. He discovered a hydraulic leak after he had raised the load approximately 10 feet (3 meters) high. With the load still raised, he proceeded to repair the hydraulic leak on the lift controller of the forks. He stood under the raised load and was attempting to tighten the leaking fitting when the fitting broke completely off the hydraulic line. This caused the load to drop, trapping the toolpusher under the load. He was killed immediately.