Forklifts are some of the largest, most dangerous equipment on any worksite. The massive machines require respect, but even more so, people always need to follow policy, procedure, and training when handling them.
A healthy respect and following the rules is only one layer of safety when it comes to forklifts. If little to no safety protocols are in place, accidents become negligence on the part of the employer. In the event of one, contacting an attorney to advocate on your behalf is the best path to take.
Nearly 100 workers are killed, and another 20,000 are seriously injured in forklift-related incidents ever year. An even more startling statistic is 25% of them are due to inadequate operator training. Help is available when Spanish speaking workers need a lawyer (abogado de accidente de trabajo).
Common Forklift Accidents
The most common forklift accident involves hitting or running over pedestrians—a startling 36% of those results in the death of a pedestrian.
Proper training for everyone on a worksite reduces the risk to both workers and bystanders. Clear signage, floor tape, and the installations of lights and sensors go a long way to keeping people safe and preventing mishaps, large and small.
Working with pallets is part of forklift operations for many workers. The risk of knocking them off, tipping, and damaging them is always present, but using a wheelie bin lifter can help reduce these risks and improve safety. However, mounted cameras and proper warehouse training alleviate the danger that someone gets injured when dealing with pallets, but even more so, people always need to follow policy, procedure, and training when handling them. Forklift incidents may also be due to the unorganized pallet racking system. Check out palletrackingsuppliers.co.uk for information on pallet racking supplies.
The leading cause of death from forklift accidents is tip-overs and rollovers for the heavy equipment. The causes range from improper turning to excessive speed. Many of the reasons are avoidable with training and equipment safety.
Forklift Safety Tips
Workers can take many safety measures in their own hands. Nothing replaces a safe worksite, training, or forklift certifications, however, some steps are available to avoid catastrophic accidents.
Secured forklift loads go a long way to avoiding rollovers, especially on include and trick terrains.
It is important to wear the right clothing. It includes adding extra layers when it is cold outside. Being too cold or too hot distracts forklift operators. Also, be aware of company policy and uniforms.
Fatigue is a significant factor when it comes to forklift accidents. Getting rest and taking schedule breaks are effective ways to stay safe and avoid unnecessary distractions.
When working in a new area, getting to know your surroundings before working a forklift limits the surprises that may arise and reduce blind spots, entry points, and pedestrian walkways that lead to accidents.With the help of a delineation range you can improve the safety of the traffic area where forklift is passing through.
The most effective way to avoid forklift accidents is to follow company procedures, safety protocols, and best practices taught in forklift certification processes. However, it is not always possible if there are no policies or training options in place.
In any case of a forklift accident, contacting an attorney as soon as possible is the best thing for your health and future. Medical and living expenses pile off, regardless of how long someone is out of work.
Forklift Don’ts
One of the most important things anyone can do to help prevent forklift accidents is to perform regular maintenance. Poorly maintained equipment leads to many incidents of forklift injuries: worn tires, loose hoses, and broken safety signals. Checklists are an excellent way to keep track of forklift maintenance and will also go a long way to protecting workers when it comes to unsafe equipment.
Renewing certifications are good for everyone. It keeps forklift operators up to date on any changes in equipment procedures, law changes, and where they stand with employee safety.
Poor lighting, spills, and various other hazards are not something to ignore, regardless of how minor you may believe it is. Always alert others of potential dangers or pitfalls.
Something to keep in mind is that working with heavy equipment is not a one-person job. Never think you have to go at it alone, the buddy system works.
Worker’s Rights
Someone can do everything right, and a forklift accident might still happen. The one thing to remember is it is a good idea always to contact an attorney when there is a workplace accident. Medical bills and cost of living costs will add up, and unless you have an advocate, you and your family might end up responsible for it all.
Know your rights. Document everything that does not seem safe at a worksite. When Spanish speaking workers need a lawyer (abogado de accidente de trabajo), they are available to help in any way they can. Forklift accidents are traumatic; there is no reason to go it alone.
Thank you!