Forklift tip-overs are a disproportionately dangerous event. This is because the natural instinct of the operator to flee overrides the training to stay in the truck at the instant where a decision is required.
The rational sub-conscious will determine that the initial speed of overturn is low, the distance to safety short, and the escape window large.
However, the reality is that the overhead guard rapidly accelerates and pivots away from the victim, thus increasing the travel distance to reach safety whilst the window snaps shut. This is commonly referred to as ‘mouse-trapping’, and in the event, the purpose of the restraint is to keep the operator safe within the truck’s protective structure.
