Abstract

In 1990, the chief coroner, noticing an alarming number of deaths in workplaces using fork-lifts (14 deaths between 1986 and 1990), ordered an inquiry into the risks associated with the operation of this type of vehicle. The need for information on this subject had already been pointed out by several sectoral associations, and statistical analysis by the IRSST confirmed that fork-lifts are responsible for more than 1 000 injuries each year. Before undertaking a study of this serious and costly problem, a pilot study was performed to better characterise accidents involving fork-lifts. A literature review was performed, the types of fork-lifts to be studied in detail identified, promising avenues of research defined, and a preliminary research protocol developed.