FORKLIFT OPERATOR RESPONSIBILITY

Hamilton County Municipal Judge Russell Mock found a Pepsi America employee guilty Tuesday in the December 4, 2006 industrial-accident death of co-worker Michael Martin.

Mock found John Burton, 50, of East Price Hill, guilty of vehicular homicide and faces up to six months in jail.

Prosecutors have said Burton was driving in reverse down a ramp when he crushed Martin who was standing next to his forklift trying to change the propane tank used to fuel it. Mock said Burton testified he “saw something” out of the corner of his eye, but did not stop. “When you’re driving a motor vehicle made of steel that’s extremely heavy, you have a duty to stop”, Mock said.

When you’re out driving your forklift today, think about this article. Ensure you are aware of your surroundings, blowing your horn and doing the things needed to ensure your coworkers go home safe.

This does not relieve employees working around a forklift all responsibility. Stay out of the way. Make sure you have not put yourself into a area that has the potential of being hit or crushed by the machine.