A recent accident involved the task of transporting a kelly bar using two forklifts. Maneuvering with two forklifts can be difficult and doing this while carrying something that is 18,000lbs and 46 meters heightens the potential for an accident to occur. As the forklift traveling backward attempted to turn, the kelly bar continued moving towards him which pushed the truck over. Clarified procedure for carrying kelly bars is as follows:

If using two forklifts to transport kelly bars, they are only to be carried in one direction. If turning is necessary than it must be set down and turned picking one end up at a time.

OSHA estimates there are 6,80,400 forklift accidents each year. A breakdown of the 6,80,400 accidents shows:

• 9,000 employees injured
• 100 deaths

Other things to think about when using two forklifts to transport equipment:

• Know the weight
• Manager/supervisor should be in the briefing to help determine the best method for the job
• Spotter may be needed for additional help