What Is the Most Common Type of Lift Truck Accident?

Have you or someone close to you been affected by a lift truck accident? You’re not alone—these incidents are more common than many think. According to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), forklift accidents cause around 34,900 serious injuries annually. This is concerning for those with loved ones in such work environments, highlighting the emotional toll and the need for improved safety measures. In this article, we will explore the causes of these accidents and offer practical steps to enhance workplace safety. Whether you’re looking to prevent future incidents or seeking justice after one, know that you’re not alone. We’re here to support you through these challenges and protect your rights.

Lift trucks, including forklifts and pallet jacks, are essential in warehouses and factories for moving heavy materials. Key types include:

• Electric reach truck: Features a telescopic mast for high shelves.
• Counterbalance forklift: Has large front forks and a rear weight, ideal for heavy loads.
• Walkie stacker: Operator-controlled elevated forks for lifting pallets.
• Side loader forklift: Moves long items like pipes with horizontal outrigger arms.
• Rough terrain forklift: Designed for outdoor use with four-wheel drive and larger tires for uneven surfaces.

Lift trucks are convenient and functional for many workplaces, but their widespread use also increases the risk of workplace injuries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 614 workers have died in forklift-related accidents, which include tip-overs, pedestrian collisions, and falling objects.

Lift truck accidents can lead to serious physical injuries like fractures, concussions, and internal bleeding, as well as emotional injuries such as PTSD and anxiety. Victims also face indirect impacts, including financial strain and emotional distress on family members. Understanding the types of lift truck accidents is crucial for preventing future occurrences in the workplace.

The tip-over is the most common accident type, accounting for 42% of lift truck incidents. It occurs when the forklift loses balance, often due to uneven paths, high speeds, negligent loading, or operational errors.

• Pedestrian accidents: These accidents often occur when operators are distracted or overlook nearby workers, especially in poorly marked zones with high truck activity, highlighting the need for improved safety measures.
• Falling loads: These accidents pose significant risks when cargo isn’t properly secured. Causes include unstable loads, overloading, and damaged equipment, underscoring the importance of ensuring safe transportation practices.
• Blocked sight accidents: These occur when a forklift operator’s view is obstructed. Key factors include oversized loads, tight warehouse layouts that limit visibility, and a lack of spotters in busy areas. These contribute to a higher risk of collisions and serious injuries.
• Mechanical failures: These incidents happen in lift trucks and usually stem from poor maintenance or defects, creating safety hazards. Key issues include faulty brakes or steering, which can lead to loss of control. Furthermore, outdated or poorly maintained trucks increase the risk of sudden breakdowns, highlighting the need for regular inspections and proper upkeep.

Understanding the causes of lift truck accidents is crucial for minimizing workplace risks, which stem from several key factors:

• Lack of operator training: Insufficient training leads operators to overlook critical safety protocols, struggle with maneuvering, and misjudge weight limits, resulting in tip-overs or falling loads.
• Unsafe workplace practices: Ignoring posted speed limits and maintaining cluttered workspaces increases the risk of collisions and pedestrian accidents, while failing to designate clear zones for workers heightens the danger.
• Equipment malfunctions: Skipping regular maintenance can lead to mechanical failures, and using outdated or faulty forklifts exacerbates the risk of breakdowns during operation.

By addressing these areas, workplaces can significantly reduce the incidence of lift truck accidents.

Lift truck accidents can cause serious injuries and, in some tragic cases, fatalities. These incidents have a significant impact not only on the victims but also on their families and the workplace as a whole.

• Common injuries: These injuries from workplace accidents include broken bones, head injuries, spinal trauma, and crush injuries. These often require extensive medical treatment and can lead to long-term disabilities.
• Deadly accidents: These accidents can occur due to operator mistakes, poor maintenance, or unsecured loads, often resulting in crushing injuries. The emotional impact on victims and families can be severe, leading to grief, anxiety, and financial burdens like medical bills and funeral expenses.
• Indirect impacts: Families may also face complex legal processes for compensation, adding stress during difficult times. These incidents underscore the urgent need for safety measures in lift truck workplaces.

It’s essential to act quickly after an accident. First, seek medical attention for any injuries, even minor ones, and notify your employer or supervisor to file a detailed incident report. Then, document the scene by taking photos and gathering witness information to support your claim.

Next, consider consulting a personal injury lawyer. They can evaluate your case to determine liability and compensation eligibility, assist in filing your claim within legal deadlines, and represent you in negotiations with insurance companies or in courts to secure fair compensation for your injuries. Remember, you don’t have to navigate this challenging time alone.

Learn more in our blog post “What to do after a truck accident?“

Preventative measures and safety protocols

Preventing lift truck accidents requires trained operators, proactive employer involvement, and strict safety standards to minimize risks and ensure a safer workplace.

• Operator training essentials: Effective forklift operation requires comprehensive training on controls, load handling, and navigation. Hands-on training with actual equipment under supervision and regular evaluations help keep operators informed on safety procedures.
• Employer responsibilities for safety: Employers must ensure proper training and certification for forklift operators, enforce speed limits, and designate pathways for lift truck use. Conducting risk assessments is essential to address potential hazards.
• Regular inspections and maintenance: Lift trucks should be inspected regularly for brakes, steering, and load-handling components. Proactive maintenance prevents mechanical failures, and outdated equipment should be replaced to ensure safety compliance.

To enhance workplace safety: establish clear forklift operation policies and pedestrian zones. Use visible signage to communicate hazards, enforce rules, and hold regular safety meetings to reinforce protocols and address concerns.

Liability and compensation in lift truck accidents

After a lift truck accident, it’s crucial for victims to understand liability and available compensation. Employers can be liable for poor training or safety protocols, while manufacturers may be responsible for defects. Operator negligence, like unsafe driving, can also contribute to accidents. Victims should collect evidence, like accident reports and witness statements, and file claims promptly, ideally with a qualified truck accident lawyer. Compensation may cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

However, when determining the actual liability, it is essential to pay attention to the unique facts of each case, including where and when the accident happened, by whom, the extent of the injury, the nature of the accident, etc. Suppose the accident occurs during working hours at the workplace under unavoidable circumstances such as power outages. In that case, the liability will lie with the company, and the workers injured will be entitled to compensation, while the operator may face disciplinary actions. On the other hand, if the operator’s negligence causes the accident, the operator may also have personal liability. In other cases, the relevant company or employer may also be liable for failure to provide proper training to the operators, failure to ensure that the lift trucks are properly maintained, or failure to follow the relevant guidelines, etc.

After a lift truck accident, personal injury lawyers play a crucial role in assisting victims navigate the legal system. They evaluate case details to establish liability, negotiate fair settlements with insurance companies, and represent clients in court if necessary. They can also help gather essential documentation, ensure claims are filed within legal deadlines, and provide guidance through hearings and trials.

If you or someone you care about has been affected by a lift truck accident, our team at J.G. Winter Law is ready to support you during this challenging time. We understand how overwhelming this experience can be and are here to offer guidance and assistance. To schedule a consultation and discuss your case with an experienced lawyer specializing in lift truck accidents, please contact us here. And remember, you won’t have to worry about fees until we win your case. You’re not alone in this; we’re here for you.