22.11.2006

Fatality at Wal-Mart facility

A man died on Monday after he was crushed against an overhead beam while working in the cold storage area of a new Wal-Mart distribution centre being built in Gas City Indiana, USA.

Humberto Menvez, 61, was working from the aerial lift when hit an overhead beam as he raised the platform, and became trapped. No details are available on what type of lift or how exactly the accident occurred.

OSHA is still investigating.

Vertikal Comment

While this is a rare type of accident there have been a number of incidents over the years, largely caused by the operator not spotting the overhead obstacle and then being pressed against the controller, unable to stop the lift, let alone lower it.

The type of ‘dead man’ controller on the lift can arguably make a difference. Momentary enablers leave the controls live, and if the mans chest is pressed against it will find it difficult to release.

Joystick mounted dead man triggers allow the operator to stop the unit by relaxing his fingers and foot operated devices allow his foot to be removed stopping the lift.

In the UK the HSE warned about this type of accident late last year, while we at the Vertikal Press have expressed concern that current overload devices mandated on European lifts, can actually trap operators against the obstacle.