Operating a forklift with an elevated load.OSHA advises drivers to stay at or below 5 miles per hour.- FIX: Slow down - Post speed limit signs around the facility, and make sure forklift drivers know the rules and follow them. Traveling too fast on a forklift shortens reaction time and leads to accidents. FIX: Provide training - OSHA requires that every forklift operator be trained and certified to operate a forklift, and the operator’s performance be evaluated on the provisions of 1910.178(l)(3) every three years.įorklift drivers often become too comfortable and drive irresponsibly. Additionally, new inventory, obstacles, changes in floor gradient, or nearby pedestrians can all cause problems for inexperienced operators. Not knowing how the forklift works or proper protocol for carrying loads is an accident waiting to happen. Training is the first step in forklift safety. 10 Common Forklift Accidents and How They Can Be Prevented If companies implemented more stringent training policies, OSHA estimates that about 70% of forklift accidents in the US could be prevented. (this assumes only one accident per forklift, with the useful life of a truck being about 8 years) In their useful life, 90% of all forklifts will be involved in some type of accident.Being crushed by an overturning forklift accounts for 42% of forklift deaths each year.Non-serious injuries related to forklift accidents reach 61,800 each year.34,900 serious injuries result from forklift accidents annually.Forklifts account for around 85 deaths every year.1 in 6 workplace deaths involve a forklift.Organizations like OSHA set regulations to make working conditions as safe as possible, but accidents still happen as a result of improper training, distracted operators, and malfunctioning equipment. It is estimated that 11% of all forklifts will be involved in some type of accident each year*. There are approximately one million active forklifts in the United States. If you or a family member have been injured in an accident, contact us today for a free consultation.Text From Infographic Forklift Accidents: Causes and Prevention John Mattiacci is familiar with the extensive regulations involving the training, operation, and use of forklifts. Enforcing the use of seat belts, of safe driving speeds, and requiring the use of a horn when approaching an intersection or corner can drastically help reduce forklift accidents. Warehouse managers must enforce safety regulations to help avoid accidents. Of course, safety regulations are only effective when they are followed and enforced. More information may be found by looking at OSHA regulation 1910.178(l) pertaining to operator training. The forklift training requirement is specific and includes coverage of the dangers an operator may encounter on the equipment and at the job site. Operators are required to receive both classroom and practical (hands-on) training and pass a practical “hands on” test of the operator’s driving performance. This training must be done before the operator is permitted to work on the job site. The operator must also be given safety training specific to the job site, whether it is a warehouse, dock or other location. In other words, they must be given training specific to the forklift he or she will be using. The training must be site-specific to the equipment and the job site. This training must include what dangers the operator may encounter. OSHA regulation 1910.178(l) deals with the training requirements for forklift operators. Federal regulations outline the training that a forklift operator must be given before that person is permitted to operate it on a job site. Sadly, the majority of these accidents can be avoided. Forklifts are a common feature on job sites and are normally found in: These accidents are common because of the widespread use of them across the country. When accidents occur, a Philadelphia forklift accident lawyer stands ready to fight for you. Accidents often involve rollovers, collisions, and hitting a pedestrian. However, they can also be incredibly dangerous to both forklift operators and to pedestrians. John secured a substantial six figure recovery for the client.įorklifts can be invaluable for moving freight and heavy cargo. John performed an extensive investigation into the lack of proper training given to the operators at the warehouse and how the lack of the necessary site-specific training caused the collision. The accident occurred at a cross-dock warehouse. Recently, John was lead counsel for an injured dockworker who was hurt in a serious collision between two forklifts. These accidents have involved collisions between forklifts and single-vehicle accidents, among others. John Mattiacci has litigated numerous construction accident cases involving forklifts. A Forklift Accident Lawyer Can Help After an Injury
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