Negligent Forklift Maintenance Causes Fatal Warehouse Accident

This case involves a warehouse worker who was injured while operating a forklift. As the worker was pulling the forklift to a stop, the forklift tipped over knocking into a shelf of heavy wood storage boxes. The shelf collapsed causing the storage boxes to fall and crush the worker. It was alleged that the defendant warehouse company failed to perform adequate maintenance on the forklifts in use and were negligent in inspecting and replacing tires on the forklift. An expert in forklift maintenance was sought to speak to industry upkeep standard and how to determine when a vehicle should be retired.

Question(s) For Expert Witness

1. Please briefly describe your familiarity with maintaining forklifts.

2. Are you familiar with the proper steps and protocols required to be followed in order to properly inspect and/or replace forklift tires?

Expert Witness Response E-042406

I have extensive experience with forklift operation and forklift safety training. I have been providing forklift and other safety training for 34+ years. I am completely familiar with what is required to inspect all seven classes of power industrial trucks. OSHA does not govern all areas on PIT's -- In fact, ANSI standards govern tires and chains. I am often called in after OSHA has fined companies to help them with compliance.