On November 29, 2022, a tragic forklift accident occurred in Quality Road, near Jalan Boon Lay, resulting in life-altering consequences for Mr. Mohd Hanafiah Abdul Jalil.
The incident involved a forklift driver, Ang Sam Poh, who failed to properly check the area behind the vehicle while reversing, leading to a collision with Mr. Hanafiah, according to The Straits Times.
What happened?
The unfortunate event took place at around 11:30 am when Mr. Hanafiah, a prime mover driver delivering milk powder, had parked his vehicle, loaded with pallets of milk powder. Ang Sam Poh was operating a forklift to unload the pallets.
As Ang carried out his duties, Mr. Hanafiah was pacing around five to seven meters behind the forklift. Regrettably, Ang failed to stop and assess the path behind the forklift for any obstructions. Instead, he focused solely on the pallets of milk powder on the prime mover.
Without realizing that Mr. Hanafiah was behind him and to the right of the forklift, Ang reversed the vehicle. Tragically, the forklift ran over Mr. Hanafiah’s left leg, causing a severe crush injury. Despite the immediate response to assist him, the damage to his leg was irreparable, and he had to undergo an above-knee amputation at the National University Hospital.
Following the accident, Ang Sam Poh pleaded guilty to causing grievous hurt to Mr. Hanafiah by performing a negligent act. In the court’s ruling, Ang was sentenced to two weeks’ imprisonment as a consequence of his actions.
The forklift accident that led to Mr. Mohd Hanafiah Abdul Jalil’s life-changing injury is a stark reminder of the importance of safety in all aspects of life.
Negligence and carelessness can have severe consequences, and it is crucial for everyone, be it employers or employees, to prioritize safety at all times.
By taking proactive measures and fostering a culture of responsibility, we can strive to prevent such accidents and create a safer environment for everyone.