Forklift Accident Lawyer: What Are The Causes of Forklift Accidents?

Forklifts are used all over the world on construction sites and industrial settings. Each year, forklift truck accidents account for tens of thousands of severe injuries or deaths across the globe. Forklift accidents are usually very serious. Oftentimes, forklift accidents result in leg or foot amputations.

A forklift is often the most dangerous piece of equipment used in a manufacturing facility, warehouse, grocery store, or construction site. Although heavy, their small size makes them prone to falling over on uneven surfaces, and their speed can contribute to collisions with people and property. Forklifts are usually operated in areas where there are pedestrians, whom are usually workers. Thus, a majority of forklift accident victims are workers.

The forklift load often obscures visibility for the forklift operator while going forward. Thus, with a load, forklifts should usually be operated going backwards. Sometimes traveling backwards creates blind spots for the operator whom has to operate the forklift while looking over their shoulder.

What are the causes of forklift accidents?

1. The forklift tipping over from overloading weight limits.
2. Employees or pedestrians being hit by forklifts.
3. The load falling off of the forklift.
4. Forklifts being used improperly to elevate people - being used as personnel lifts.
5. Forklifts accidentally being driven off loading docks.
6. Forklifts being used with a jib boom. Thus, the forklift is turned into a crane. The load swings and either hits a worker or causes the forklift to tip over.
7. Improper or no forklift maintenance such as malfunctioning of the brakes, steering, transmission, or hydraulic system.
8. Missing or malfunctioning safety devices can contribute to a forklift accident.
9. Lack of a roll over protection system which will prevent the forklift operator from being thrown or crushed in the event the forklift tips over.
10. Improper workplace design for forklift operation such as narrow or crowded aisles, a high level of foot traffic where the forklift is operated, vision obstructions, and other workplace conditions such as light and noise are all hazards that may contribute to a forklift accident.
11. Loss of forklift control by the operator.
12. Traveling too fast and causing the forklift to tip over.
13. Not using a spotter when visibility is limited.
14. Improper training.

Forklifts and OSHA

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) maintain a variety of measures that govern the use of forklifts for companies that fall under federal jurisdiction. Individual states over the years have developed State Occupational Safety and Health Administration plans as well. California OSHA, for example has forklift safety requirements, such as, Cal. Code of Regulations Title 8 CCR § 3650.

Forklift Design Defects

In many instances, forklift accidents are caused by defective design or unsafe design. The forklift itself may be designed defectively. For example, the forklift may not be equipped with proper roll over protection or overhead fall protection. Or equipment used with the forklift - - such as a jib boom - - may cause serious injury or death.

Conclusion

Forklifts are very, very dangerous vehicles. Every year workers are needlessly injured or killed in forklift accidents across America. If you or a loved one is seriously injured or killed in a forklift accident a prompt and thorough investigation by an experienced forklift accident attorney should be conducted in order to determine the cause.

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