Forklifts are used in a number of industries to improve efficiency and ensure that particular jobs are completed in a timely and accurate manner.
Unfortunately, there are times when the use of a forklift leads to a serious accident that results in injury or even death.
Here are some of the most common causes of forklift accidents:
— Poor training. A poorly trained forklift driver may not know what he or she is doing in regards to safety and how to use the vehicle in a safe manner.
— Speeding. It’s common for a forklift driver to be in a hurry, thus driving at a high rate of speed. This increases the likelihood of an accident.
— Driving a forklift with an elevated load. It’s best to keep a load as low as possible, typically four inches from the floor, when the forklift is in motion.
— Riding on a forklift. The operator should be the only person riding on the forklift. There is never a good time to transport a worker.
— Design of the workplace. If a forklift will be in use, it’s important that the workplace is designed for this to happen in a safe manner.
These are just a few of the most common causes of forklift accidents.
If you find yourself injured in this type of accident, don’t wait to receive medical treatment. You should also report the accident and your injuries to your employer. Taking these steps will make it easier to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits, thus allowing you to take the time you need to recover.
Source: National Forklift Exchange, “7 Most Common Causes of Lift Truck Accidents,” accessed June 09, 2017
