Every year many workers get injured as a result of forklift misuse. Can these injuries be prevented? What is the cause of all these accidents? All such questions of yours will be answered in this blog.
What is a Forklift?
Forklift is a small industrial vehicle which is used to carry heavy materials in a non-roadway area. It has a power-operated forked platform which is attached at the front and can be raised and lowered for insertion under a cargo to move it or lift it. The order trucks and the power pickers also fall under the category of a forklift.
Forklift is a tricky machine to work with. The injuries caused due to forklifts are often very serious compared to other workplace injuries. They lead to heavy medical expenses and a lot of time away from work for recovery. If you are a forklift operator or know someone who is and has been involved in a forklift-related accident, then you may be entitled to compensation.
Common Forklift Accidents
The forklifts are small industrial trucks mostly used in warehouses and storage facilities to move, raise or lower an object. There are different kinds of forklifts and depending on the type, they can be controlled by an operator who rides them or walks beside them. The forklift machinery is big in size which results in serious injuries and fatalities.
Let us look at some of the common forklift accidents:-
1. Truck Falls
One of the most dangerous activities to perform on a forklift is crossing a threshold. It could mean moving between areas in a warehouse or even moving in or out of a semi-trailer. Being a forklift operator you need to be vigilant all the time and should always ensure that it is safe to proceed, or else the forklift truck might fall. The reasons a truck falls can be:-
- Improper or Missing Dock Plate
- Worn or Damaged Truck Floor
- Slippery Floor
2. Falling Loads
Forklift machines are not always tasked to carry simple loads like boxes and pallets. Many times they are used in carrying raw materials and small items that can fall off if not secured properly. A falling load can be extremely dangerous for pedestrians as well as the operator.
3. Rollovers
This kind of accident occurs every now and then when the forklift operator feels the machine tipping. The causes of rollovers are:-
- Uneven Surface
- Abrupt Turns
- Unbalanced and Overweight Loads
- Elevated Load
4. Impacts with Pedestrians
Forklift work is usually at places where people are working on foot around it. Hence, there are many accidents that involve pedestrians. These accidents are typically caused by lack of warning boards and signs or in case the operator is overworked, careless or distracted.
Forklift machines though useful can cause some serious injuries too if the operator is negligent or the company lacks in maintaining some safety measures. If you have been involved in a forklift accident then you need to contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Siler & Ingber’s law firm has some very experienced and skilled attorneys who can file your claim and help you get rightful compensation for your medical bills, lost wages and trauma. For a free evaluation of your case, contact Siler & Ingber.