OSHA estimates that 680,400 forklift accidents occur each year. These workplace accidents cause crushing and pinching injuries, which can result in permanent disability, amputation, or death.
Forklifts are powerful pieces of heavy machinery that are often used to move objects around a job site. Forklifts can be dangerous if used improperly or improperly maintained. In fact, forklifts can be one of the most dangerous tools on a job site. Forklift accidents can cause serious or permanent injury and even death.
Causes of forklift accidents
Forklifts are risky. They can weigh up to 9,000 pounds (by comparison, an average sedan car can weigh 2,000 to 3,000 pounds). Forklifts do not have brakes on all wheels, making it difficult to stop in emergency situations. They are difficult to handle due to uneven loads, rear wheel spin, and tight work spaces. As an added hazard, the forklift operators’ view is obstructed by the load on the lift. Forklifts can cause injury if they are improperly maintained, if an operator is not properly trained, or if they have a defective component.
Forklift accidents can occur in the following circumstances:
- Failure to provide a restricted height warning
- Excessive noise in the work area affecting safe communication, horns, and audible alarms
- Malfunction of the forklift
- Violations of OSHA regulations
- Failure to follow safety regulations for safe forklift operation and maintenance
- Errors in designing and clearing a safe workplace for forklift operation
- Inadequate training or lack of training to work with or around forklifts
- Human error such as improper handling, workload, driver impediment, among others
Workplace Accidents in Texas
In Texas, workers who are injured in forklift accidents may be covered by an employer’s workers’ compensation policy. However, any negligent third party who contributed to the accident can be held liable. Make sure you have the proper representation when dealing with an outside employer or contractor.
Did you have an accident at work caused by the forklift?
Make an appointment today: 210-342-2777
*Information obtained from: www.craftlawfirm.com
