Forklifts are used daily by warehouse and manufacturing employees to move heavy loads of products to lofty heights in warehouses and production lines. Unfortunately, every year nearly 100 people die from forklift injuries, and over 35,000 people are seriously injured, according to OSHA. A majority of forklift operators who suffers serious injuries come as a result of forklift overturns, getting struck or pinned by a forklift, and employees falling from a forklift.
Proper training for forklift operators would allow for fewer accidents. As such, forklift operators should be certified to operate such heavy machinery and equipment. Other things to consider as it relates to forklift injuries include:
Forklifts weigh 9,000 lbs
Only the front tires on a forklift have brakes
Forklifts are turned by the back tires
Forklifts are heavier in the back
Forklifts may not get regular maintenance
The operator’s view may be obstructed
Oftentimes, the accident caused by a forklift is operator error, nonetheless, accidents also take place when the equipment is not maintained correctly, in which the owner of the forklift is responsible if an employee is injured or killed.