Forklift Hazards
About 100 employees are killed and 95,000 injured every year while operating forklifts in all industries.
The higher the lift, the more unstable and hazardous it is.
Forklift turnovers account for a significant percentage of these fatalities. Forklifts are commonly used in warehouses for moving goods. Accidents can occur due to overturning, striking pedestrians, or mishandling materials.
The most common forklift accidents include:
- Collisions with Pedestrians: Forklifts accidentally hitting workers on foot is a common occurrence, often due to limited visibility or inattention.
- Forklift Overturns: This can happen due to improper handling, overloading, taking turns too quickly, or operating on uneven or sloped surfaces. This is the most common type of forklift accident.
- Falling Loads: Improperly secured or overbalanced loads can fall off the forklift, posing a risk to the operator and nearby workers.
- Crushing Between Forklift and a Surface: Workers can get crushed between the forklift and walls, racks, or other surfaces, particularly in tight spaces.
- Crushing During Maintenance: Mechanics or operators can be crushed under a forklift or its parts during maintenance or repair if proper lockout/tagout procedures are not followed.
- Falls from Forklifts: Operators or workers may fall from elevated pallets or forks, particularly if they are riding on the forklift inappropriately.
- Collisions with Other Vehicles or Structures: Forklifts colliding with other vehicles, racks, shelves, or structures in the workplace can cause injuries and property damage.
- Injuries During Mounting or Dismounting: Slips, trips, and falls while getting on or off a forklift are common and can lead to serious injuries.
- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: In enclosed areas, forklifts powered by internal combustion engines can lead to carbon monoxide buildup, causing health hazards.
- Driving Off Loading Docks: Forklifts can accidentally drive off the edges of loading docks or platforms, leading to serious accidents.
Real-life Accident
Employee Killed in Forklift Collision
At 6:40 a.m. on August 22, 2023, an employee dumped debris from a hopper that was on the forklift he was operating. The employee exited the forklift to remove a chain that was wrapped around the forklift's mast. The employee's forklift was hit by another forklift, and the employee was crushed by his forklift's hopper and mast. The employee was killed.Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-3. What is the most common type of forklift accident?
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