Ground handling operations at airports globally, particularly in cargo handling, rely heavily on powered industrial trucks (PITs), such as forklifts and fork trucks, for the movement of cargo, equipment, and materials. However, these vehicles are associated with numerous workplace incidents annually. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that fatalities often result from truck overturns, workers being struck by trucks, or falling from them.
"Incidents can involve property damage," states Steven K. Fess, a Certified Industrial Hygienist. These damages include overhead sprinklers, racking systems, walls, floors, and other machinery. A significant number of these incidents stem from inadequate training and lack of safe operating procedures.
OSHA's Powered Industrial Trucks standard mandates safety requirements for various industrial trucks powered by electric motors or internal combustion engines. Revised in 1999 to reduce injuries and deaths due to insufficient operator training, the standards apply across multiple industries except agriculture.