Forklift Accidents and Injury Prevention
Forklifts are common on construction sites – and a frequent source of accidents. According to the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), thousands are injured each year while using forklifts.
Every year, about 100 workers are killed and about 95,000 injured while operating forklifts. They may look unassuming,but they are heavy and dangerous tools.
Most forklift accidents occur when the machine turns over. Depending on the load, the center of gravity on a forklift is continually shifting. By following load recommendations and safety precautions, you can prevent a potentially disastrous forklift accident.
OSHA offers the following solutions in forklift safety:
- Train and certify all operators to ensure that they operate forklifts safely.
- Do not allow any employee under 18 years old to operate a forklift.
- Properly maintain haulage equipment, including tires.
- Do not modify or make attachments that affect the capacity and safe operation of the forklift without written approval from the forklift’s manufacturer.
- Examine forklift trucks for defects before using.
- Follow safe operating procedures for picking up, moving, putting down and stacking loads.
- Drive safely. Never exceed 5 mph and slow down in areas that are congested or have a slippery surface.
- Prohibit stunt driving and horseplay.
- Do not handle loads that are heavier than the capacity of the industrial truck.
- Remove unsafe or defective forklift trucks from service.
- Operators should always wear seatbelts.
- Avoid traveling with elevated loads.
- Assure that a rollover protective structure is in place.
- Make certain that the reverse signal alarm is operational and audible above the surrounding noise level.
Proper training and safety protocol can prevent potentially life-changing accidents. But sometimes, despite all of the training, the machine malfunctions or another factor beyond your control leads to an accident. In such cases, the attorneys of the Ginarte Law Firm may be able to help.
Contact Ginarte if you have been hurt
The New Jersey construction accident attorneys with the Ginarte Law Firm know just how dangerous construction work is because they’ve represented numerous workers who have been injured on the job.
If you’ve been hurt at work, whether through a forklift accident, a fall, or something else entirely, we may be able to help. Contact our offices today to discussyour case and whether you may be entitled to compensation.
We can be reached at (888) GINARTE or by filling out our online contact form.
