Crushing of Forklift Operator

Mechanical and Safety Engineering (MASE) Product Failure Injury Report

Product involved: Forklift

What happened: A forklift operator became crushed between the mast and parts of the forklift structure when he reached through the mast to clear an obstruction and accidentally lowered the lift onto himself

Injuries: Death due to crushing injuries of head

Recommendations: Simple guarding of the operator compartment would have prevented the operator from being able to place himself in the path of the descending lift.

OSHA/Standard violations?: no

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Hand Held Mixer Accident

MASE Product Failure Injury Report

Product involved: Hand Held Mixer

What happened: A woman's finger became caught in a hand held electric blender while she was holding the edge of the bowl.

Injuries: Tendon damage to finger

Recommendations: Hand held mixers are relatively low power, but can still maim and injure fingers.  Since hand held mixers have an unguarded nip point, distance from the hazard is essential.  Deep, heavy bowls that do not require hand stabilization will help deter users from getting near the hazard.  Counter top stand mixers do not require stabilization, and use deep bowls to increase the distance to the hazard. 

OSHA/Standard violations?: no

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Mountain Bike Tire Failure

MASE Product Failure Injury Report

Product involved: MTB Mountain Bike Tire

What happened: Person was mountain biking on a trail, crossed part of the path where a previous small bridge had been removed.  A couple of miles later, the bike slid out to the right from underneath the rider in a hard left curve, at a relatively low speed.  Inspection after the accident showed a nail in one of the tires, presumably from the bridge site.  The loss of air pressure caused the accident.

Injuries: Lacerations, bruises

Recommendations:  Even if tires are at the proper pressure at the beginning of the ride, there is no guarantee that this will be maintained.  Punctures during a ride may result in a slow, unnoticeable loss of pressure.  There are inner tubes for bikes that will automatically seal any puncture.  There are also tubeless wheels that use thicker tires, which are reportedly more puncture resistant.

OSHA/Standard violations?: no

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