Forklift operators in New York carry out important duties for busy warehouses, building sites and other workplaces. However, forklifts can be incredibly dangerous machines when work environments are cluttered or forklift operators are not properly trained. In 2019, there were 79 deaths as well as 8,140 nonfatal injuries involving forklifts around the country.
Most forklift accidents are avoidable
The most common types of forklift accidents that occur on work sites happen due to factors that were totally avoidable. For example, many forklift accidents involve poorly trained forklift operators. Some forklift accidents could be avoided if employers invested more in training.
In addition to lack of training, the most common forklift accidents are caused by:
- Falls from the forklift
- Forklift rollovers
- Forklift hitting a person
- Falling loads
- Blocked site
Other factors that can lead to forklift accidents
Forklift accidents that result in missed days of work can lead to expensive workers’ compensation claims. Employers may be able to cut down on the number of forklift-related injuries by training other employees to be safer around forklifts. In busy warehouses, workers who aren’t operating forklifts might do things like crossing in front of a forklift while it has a full load.
Employers may also prevent some forklift accidents by making sure that there is clear signage, barriers and space around a forklift operator. Forklifts should also be properly maintained so that workers aren’t injured because of mechanical failures.
Recovering from forklift injuries
Forklift accidents can cause a range of injuries from minor bruises to severe head trauma. If you were injured in a work-related forklift accident, you may be able to file a workers’ compensation claim. A portion of your lost wages and your medical expenses may be compensable under your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance.