Forklifts are among the most common forms of heavy machinery used in industrial facilities, shipping warehouses, retail, waste management and manufacturing. They are typically used for transporting heavy loads, which can improve workflow and reduce labor costs, back injuries, and muscle strain.
While forklifts can provide better working conditions for employees and increase workplace efficiency, they can also be a danger to workers. Thousands of workers suffer from forklift accidents every year. Some workers even suffer from fatal injuries. Here is what you should know:
How do forklift accidents happen?
While forklifts may have simple controls, they are not easy to operate. Much like cars, these machines often require extensive training and experience to operate safely. To operate a forklift responsibly, employees may be required to undergo reviews by their peers and acquire an operation certificate. There are a few things workers should be aware of when operating a forklift, such as safe speed, turning, braking, fork adjustment and carry weight limit.
Forklift accidents can occur because an employee was operating a forklift irresponsibly. This can happen, for example, if a forklift is overloaded and tips. Another way employees could be injured by forklifts is if an operator was speeding and collided with another forklift or employee. The forks on the front of forklifts can be especially dangerous if they impact an employee. Forklift accidents could also happen as a result of a driver’s substance use.
Employees injured by forklifts could suffer from traumatic brain injuries, spine injuries, internal bleeding, broken bones or limb loss. Injured employees should be entitled to workers’ compensation for their injuries — but if they encounter problems with their claim, it’s definitely wisest to seek legal guidance.