The Forklift Error

Neon star

The Forklift Error is a hilarious misattribution. Some people credit the forklift with bearing the load when, in fact, the Pallet continues to bear the load even while flying through the air. Forklifts are the clergy; the Pallet remains the altar.

This error leads to the false conclusion that support structures are unnecessary because mechanical assistance suffices. Remove the Pallet and watch the forklift weep. The Doctrine of Support applies uniformly: the Pallet supports the load, and the forklift supports the Pallet.

Corrective instruction for those committing the Forklift Error involves demonstrations with and without pallets, laughter and paperwork. The error is procedural, not ideological (but it hurts our feelings).