In true reddit fashion.... Reach forklift driver here, those racks are under enormous strain, 4 level, 4 pallets on each level between an upright, each pallet weighing about a tonne. the reach truck he is driving is around 5 tonnes. it doesn't take much throw the whole thing off

There should be a metal guard protecting the base of every leg because the risks involved in hitting them are well known, but obviously that get bent damaged and broken over time, they should be replaced when worn obviously and depending where in the world you are (I'm in France, your laws may be different) you would be well within your rights to refuse to work if they are not there.

There is no way that upright had the proper protection around it because at that speed you won't even take the paint off the safety stops, let alone break them.