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Lift truck accidents can lead to serious injuries and sometimes even death. They are common in places like warehouses and construction sites where lift trucks are often used. At Hasbrook & Hasbrook, we know the dangers of forklift injuries and accidents. Understanding the main cause of these accidents can help prevent them and ensure safety in the workplace.
Most lift truck accidents happen because of operator error. This includes mistakes due to lack of training, fatigue, or not following safety procedures. Employers and employees must recognize this to improve safety and reduce accidents. Even the most common forklift accidents can be prevented with proper measures.
The resources below can help you learn more about powered industrial trucks and occupational safety. Then, contact us to schedule a free consultation.
What Is a Lift Truck Accident?
A lift truck accident involves vehicles that lift, move, or lower goods and materials. These vehicles are essential in many industries, particularly in manufacturing and warehousing. However, accidents can be catastrophic due to the size and weight of the trucks and the loads they carry. These accidents frequently cause severe injuries or significant property damage.
Lift trucks, often referred to as forklifts, are powerful industrial tools that require skilled operation. Accidents can occur for various reasons, including operator error, mechanical failures, or unsafe working environments.
Knowledge of how these accidents happen can help create safer working conditions. Each incident can teach us important lessons about safety and prevention. Prioritizing forklift safety is essential.
What Makes a Lift Truck Accident So Dangerous?
Lift trucks are heavy and powerful, which makes any accident potentially deadly. Their ability to carry large and heavy loads adds to the danger, as any mishap can lead to catastrophic injuries or fatalities. The machinery’s limited visibility and maneuverability contribute to accidents, highlighting the importance of thorough training and operator vigilance.
Forklift accident statistics show that nearly 35,000 forklift accidents happen annually. Due to the weight and movement of the truck and the cargo, injuries in a lift truck accident are often extreme. Forklift operators can suffer from broken bones, brain injuries, or even get crushed under heavy loads.
These accidents impact the workers’ health and cause significant disruptions in workplace operations. When forklift accidents involve pedestrians, the consequences can be catastrophic.
Common Causes of Lift Truck Accidents
Several factors contribute to lift truck accidents, but common ones include operator error, mechanical issues, and unsafe working conditions.
Recognizing these can help in developing strategies to prevent accidents. Training, maintenance, and proper workplace safety practices are essential in reducing these risks.
Employers must enforce strict safety regulations and provide regular training to prevent such incidents.
Operator Error (Inexperience, Lack of Training)
Operator error is one of the leading causes of lift truck accidents. This includes mistakes made from inexperience or lack of proper training.
Operators might misjudge distances, fail to secure loads properly, or not follow safety protocols, leading to accidents. Ensuring that all operators are well-trained and experienced minimizes these risks.
Each lift truck operator must complete proper training before starting work. The importance of forklift operator training cannot be overstated.
Overloading or Improper Loading of Cargo
Improper or overloaded cargo on lift trucks can lead to accidents. Overloading can cause the truck to tip over, while improperly secured loads may fall, causing injury or damage.
Operators should know their trucks’ capacity limits and adhere to them strictly to ensure safety. Many forklift accidents happen because of improper cargo loading.
Mechanical Failure or Equipment Malfunction
Mechanical failures or equipment malfunctions can also lead to lift truck accidents. Regular maintenance and inspections are needed to prevent such issues.
Employers must ensure that all lift trucks are in good working condition and that any signs of wear or damage are addressed immediately.
Poor Workplace Conditions (Uneven Surfaces, Obstacles)
Unsafe workplace conditions, such as uneven surfaces or obstacles in driving paths, can cause lift truck accidents. Workplaces must maintain clear and safe paths for lift truck operation.
Regular work environment checks and maintenance can prevent many of these accidents.
The Number One Cause: Operator Error
Operator error is the most common cause of lift truck accidents. This issue stems from various factors, including inadequate training, fatigue, and carelessness.
Knowing this can help focus safety training and operational adjustments to reduce accidents. Employers must prioritize comprehensive training and strict safety standards to address this issue effectively.
Inadequate Training of Lift Truck Operators
Inadequate training is a major factor in lift truck accidents caused by operator error. Operators not properly trained on safety protocols, truck operation, and load handling are likely to make mistakes. Employers must provide thorough training and regular refresher courses to keep skills up to date.
Fatigue and Lack of Focus While Operating Machinery
Fatigue and lack of focus are major risk factors in lift truck operations. Operators working long hours without adequate breaks can lose concentration, which increases the likelihood of accidents.
Employers must enforce work-hour regulations, and supervisors should ensure operators take needed breaks to maintain alertness.
Misjudging Load Capacity or Maneuvering Space
Many lift truck accidents occur when operators misjudge the load capacity of their trucks or the maneuvering space available.
Awareness of the limitations of the machinery and the workspace is critical. This simple measure can prevent these types of accidents. Operators should be trained to assess their environment. They must load carefully before operating the truck.
Distractions in the Workplace
Distractions in the workplace can lead to major accidents involving lift trucks. Operators must stay focused while at work and avoid activities that could divert their attention, such as using mobile phones or other electronic devices.
Employers should enforce strict no-distraction policies to ensure the safety of their workers.
What You Should Do After a Lift Truck Accident
- Seek medical attention. If you are involved in a lift truck accident, the first step is to seek medical attention immediately, even if the injuries seem minor.
- Report the accident. Report the accident to your supervisor or workplace safety officer immediately.
- Document the scene. If possible, take pictures of the incident scene, including any hazards that contributed to the accident.
- Gather witness statements. Gather contact information and statements from those who witnessed the collision.
- Preserve the lift truck for inspection. Ensure that the lift truck involved in the accident is not used until inspected for mechanical issues.
- Contact a lawyer. Consulting a lawyer specializing in workplace incidents can help protect your rights and guide you through the claims process.
- Follow up on medical care. Continue to follow up with medical care and keep records of all treatments related to the accident.
Tips for Preventing Lift Truck Accidents in the Workplace
- Regular training. Ensure that all lift truck operators receive regular training and safety refreshers.
- Routine maintenance. Perform routine maintenance checks on all lift trucks to identify and fix any mechanical issues.
- Clear workspaces. Keep areas free of obstacles, and ensure floors are level and debris-free.
- Enforce load limits. Strictly enforce the load capacity limits of lift trucks to prevent overloading.
- Implement safety protocols. Develop and enforce comprehensive safety protocols for operating lift trucks.
- Encourage breaks. Allow operators to take regular breaks to prevent fatigue and maintain focus.
- Monitor workplace practices. Regularly monitor and assess workplace practices to identify and mitigate risks.
Legal Recourse After a Lift Truck Accident at Hasbrook & Hasbrook
- Filing a claim. After a lift truck accident, you can submit a claim for compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
- Worker’s compensation. Most employees are covered by worker’s compensation, which can provide financial support after an accident.
- Personal injury lawsuit. If the accident was due to negligence, you may also have the option to submit a personal injury lawsuit against responsible parties.
- Consulting an attorney. Consulting with an attorney can provide you with information about your rights and the best course of action.
- Long-term care. If the accident leads to long-term disability, you could be eligible for additional compensation to cover ongoing care and rehabilitation.
Contact Our Oklahoma Lift Truck Accident Lawyer To Schedule a Free Case Consultation
If you or someone you know has been involved in a lift truck accident, contact Hasbrook & Hasbrook for a free consultation. Our experienced lawyers specialize in handling such cases and can offer the guidance and representation you need. Contact us today for a free consultation.