Man killed in forklift accident at Virginia Home Depot, police say

[Sherman A1]

A Home Depot employee was killed in a workplace accident early Tuesday morning when the forklift he was operating fell over, authorities said.

The incident happened just after midnight at a store on Merrilee Drive, according to the Fairfax County Police. The worker, identified as Paul Gato, 43, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities said Gato "was operating the forklift unloading supplies from a delivery truck" when it fell, trapping him.

"The driver of the delivery truck heard the loud crash, noticed the deceased under the forklift and immediately summoned emergency medical services and police," a police press release stated.

https://news.yahoo.com/man-killed-forklift-accident-virginia-135827238.html

[mahatmakanejeeves]

1. I know where that one is. NT

[Itchinjim]

2. 40 year forktruck operator here.

Always, ALWAYS wear your seat belt. You are no match for a 4000 lb battery.

[Demovictory9]

3. Battery weights that much?

[flotsam2]

4. Yes they do...

But the ones I drove were internal combustion 4 Cylinder engines weighing only maybe 600 lbs. But to make them effective They had about a 2000lb counterweight at the rear which could also kill you...

[Sherman A1]

5. Yup

Operated both electric tow motors and walkie stackers in my time in the grocery biz and one has to be very respectful of these tools. Most folks don’t realize that forklifts weigh more than automobiles.