Postural Stability of Stand-Up Forklift Operators in Response to Normal Braking Procedures

Abstract

Balance retention and postural stability of forklift operators have not been well investigated in the literature. Our testing shows that forklift operators can maintain postural stability during routine braking procedures while using standup lift trucks, and that peak acceleration levels generated by lift trucks are below the peak acceleration levels mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act for moving platforms. Our review of studies involving balance retention has shown that acceleration levels experienced by subjects who maintained postural stability were greater than the peak accelerations during forklift braking operation. In addition, acceleration levels alone are a poor predictor of a subject’s ability to maintain postural stability.