Final answer:
Exceeding the load limit of a forklift is never safe as it can lead to accidents and damage, just as overloading a water taxi can pose significant safety risks.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is never safe to exceed the load limit of a forklift. Just as bridges have weight limits to prevent structural damage, and there are occupancy limits for rooms to ensure safety, forklifts have load limits to prevent accidents and damage. Forklift load limits are determined based on the equipment's ability to safely handle a certain amount of weight without tipping or malfunctioning.
Similarly, if 20 men have a sum weight greater than 3,500 pounds, then their total weight exceeds the safety limits for water taxis. This is indeed a safety concern because overloading a water taxi can result in stability issues, potential sinking, and could pose a serious risk to everyone aboard. Just like the load capacity of a forklift, the weight capacity of water transportation must be respected to ensure the safety of passengers.