The cause and nature of forklift injury in the Ghanaian port environment

Abstract

Organizational Health and Safety (OHS) practices are essential not only for the survival of organizations but also for the avoidance of ir1jury at the work environment and other legal consequences. The absence of OHS regulatory framework in Ghana has a significant implication for the conduct of organizations in providing a healthy working environment for employees. This paper examines the nature and causes of forklift irjury in the Ghanaian port environment in the absence of effective OHS policy. The researchers employed both the historical and descriptive research methods during the project. A total of 250 questionnaires were administered using convenience sampling techniques. The research revealed that a number of both human and workplace factors are responsible for workplace forklift ir1jury. The most significant human factors include fatigue, alcoholism and stress whilst workplace factors include load handling and forklift visibility. Considering the nature of accident the study revealed that falling load, crushing and forklift overturning accounts for nearly half of all the accidents associated with lift trucks. The study farther reveals that ir1juries which occurred in relation to forklift vehicle incidents (wounds and sprain) appear to be less severe than other forms of work related irjuries.From the research it was recommended that there is the need for the relevant sector Ministries to review the current OSH standard to meet the WHO standards for adoption and implementation; establish clear communication processes to help maintain safe working practices and to publicize and raise industry awareness on major findings and develop strategies to improve the safety of forklift operations and reduce the incidence and severity of ir1jury in the port environment and other workplaces.