If the raised objects shift or fall, they can cause serious injuries to anyone passing underneath the forks. It also goes without saying that pedestrians should never walk underneath a forklift that has a raised load in its forks. Employers should do their best to eliminate narrow aisles or pathways, as these increase the risk of the forklift colliding with objects or pedestrians. If possible, any area in which a forklift must maneuver should give the forklift operator plenty of room to move around. This helps ensure that the forklift operator knows the pedestrian is nearby.Įmployers should also make sure that areas in which forklifts operate are well lit and free of obstructions. In these situations, pedestrians should always try to make eye contact with the forklift operator. In some cases, it’s not possible for a pedestrian to totally avoid walking near or around a forklift. By designating certain areas as no-pedestrian zones, employers can help protect employees from being struck by a forklift. Because forklifts can travel up to 18 miles per hour, they can cause serious injuries when they collide with a pedestrian. Employers can do their part by making special areas for pedestrians and forklifts. There are a number of ways to reduce forklift injuries and accidents. How Can Employers Reduce Forklift Accidents? When operators attempt to drive too quickly, forklifts can crash into objects or people, or even tip over, leading to catastrophic injuries. While driving a forklift may look easy, it requires a great deal of training and experience to operate it safely. It’s also possible for forklift accidents to happen because the forklift operator wasn’t trained to handle the machine. It’s up to employers to ensure their forklifts are serviced and maintained. Like any other piece of machinery, forklifts break down and get too old to function safely. When forklift operators are under stress to get things done faster, they can sometimes make mistakes that lead to a serious accident.įorklift injuries can also happen when the forklift itself is old or hasn’t been properly maintained. In other situations, workers are pressured to accomplish tasks too quickly. In some cases, a lack of training contributes to a forklift accident. Why Do Forklift Accidents Happen?įorklift accidents can occur for a variety of reasons. Understanding why these accidents happen and how they can be avoided is key to preventing future accidents from occurring. Any type of forklift accident can force you to take time off work. Frequently Asked Questions About Forklift Injuriesįew people think about forklift accidents until they are involved in one. Because a forklift can weigh up to 9,000 pounds, it is extremely important for workers, employers, and construction companies to understand the dangers posed by forklifts and to take steps to reduce the risk of forklift injuries. Each year, about 34,900 people are hurt in forklift accidents. They are an important piece of equipment, but they can also cause serious and debilitating injuries. If companies implemented more stringent training policies, OSHA estimates that about 70% of forklift accidents in the US could be prevented.Forklifts are a common sight in warehouses and on construction sites. (this assumes only one accident per forklift, with the useful life of a truck being about 8 years)
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