How to Prevent Forklift Accidents
In industrial companies, forklifts are proven to be one of the necessities in accomplishing the job. However, statistics has also revealed that forklifts present significant hazards to workers.
Forklift related injuries are fatal and severe due to the weight and power of the truck. Up until now, forklift accidents are one of the major causes of industrial deaths or injuries.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has reported that in United States, forklifts cause 100 deaths and over 20,000 injuries annually. One individual in every three days is killed in a forklift accident. Further, the costs in treating injuries caused by it are estimated to be over a million dollars.
Forklift accidents happen due to various reasons. The following are some types of forklift accident.
- Falling loads
- Pedestrians stuck by forklifts
- Workers hit or crushed by forklifts
- Forklifts tipping over
- Loading dock defect
- Losing control
Just like any accidents, forklift accidents can be prevented. Here are some ways of preventing it:
- Speed Limit
As forklifts are not designed to stop instantly, its speed limit must be regulated just enough to move through the workplace. In fact, it needs around 3.4 feet for every mile per hour to stop. Further, it takes about ¾ of a second for a forklift driver to react to a hazard.
Generally, forklifts are allowed a speed limit of 8 mph. However, the speed is reduced to 3 mph in areas where pedestrians are found.
- Warning device
Forklift trucks must have a horn to warn people especially those in the blind spots. Forklift drivers must be taught how to operate the truck and monitor its direction. In fact, drivers must be taught how to use the truck’s horn and determine its blind spots.
Warning devices are helpful to minimize accidents. Many companies are now required by Health and Safety regulations to train forklift drivers and install warning devices.
Although not required, a laser scanner may be installed in a forklift. This scanner can select a slow-down area and a stop area within its range. The scanner may be configured to govern the forklift to slow down every time a person or object is detected. It will trigger the lights or make an alarm that will warn the operator before an accident can even occur.
If you have been a victim of a forklift accident, you may file a personal injury case. Should the accident occur in a work premises, engaging the services of an employment lawyer will be an advantage.
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