Why is it unsafe to raise or lower a load near people?

Raising or lowering a load near people is particularly dangerous mainly because of the risk of the load falling. If the load is not secured properly or if there is an operator error, it can easily slip or become unbalanced, leading to it dropping unexpectedly. This poses a significant threat to anyone in the vicinity, as falling objects can cause serious injuries or fatalities.

Moreover, in addition to the physical danger of falling loads, operating near people increases the likelihood of accidents due to miscommunication or unforeseen movements. Safety protocols often emphasize maintaining a safe distance between operational areas and personnel to prevent such risks. While other factors, such as distractions or theft, are valid concerns in a workplace, the immediate physical danger of an unprotected load is the primary reason to avoid operating forklifts near people.