Manufacturing Laborer Falls from Elevated Pallet, Succumbs to Injuries—Kentucky

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 April 8, 2024, a 62year-old male manufacturing laborer was mixing concrete additive solution when he fell from a pallet elevated on a forklift. The victim succumbed to the injuries sustained in the incident.

CONTRIBUTING FACTORS
Key contributing factors identified in this investigation include:

• Working at heights without fall protection;
• Improper use of platform on a forklift;
• Lack of fall safe procedures; and
• Lack of proper personal protective equipment (PPE).

RECOMMENDATIONS
Kentucky investigators concluded that, to help prevent similar occurrences, employers should:

• Consider utilizing a drum handling device in lieu of working at heights;
• Consider modifying job procedures to prioritize the utilization of two employees when possible;
• Consider implementing an auditing process to ensure compliance with company procedures; and
• Consider requiring hard hats equipped with chin straps when working at heights.

Manufacturing Laborer Falls from Elevated Pallet, Succumbs to Injuries—Kentucky [PDF – 951 KB]