Forklifts are a necessary machine for many warehouses and production facilities. If these machines are not used safely, workers can get seriously injured. There are many types of forklifts that are used throughout industry. Some of them are small and used for moving lightweight products. Some of the forklifts are large and can lift thousands of pounds. So, some of the issues regarding forklifts are being run over by one and the worker suffering a crushing industry. Another issue is being hit by a forklift. Again, these machines can weigh up to a several thousand pounds. Being struck by a forklift can cause a serious work-related injury.
10 Forklift Safety Tips
The following are ten of the most important safety tips that should be followed when using forklifts:
- Inspect the forklift and make sure it is in good working order before you use it. Make sure the brakes are working and the back-up warning lights and alarms are working;
- Make sure the forklifts you use are maintained on a regular basis to remain in good working order;
- Do not speed. Most workplaces have a maximum speed that their forklifts can travel. Many work-related accidents are caused by someone traveling too fast with a forklift;
- When traveling on a forklift, make sure the forks on low to the ground;
- Make sure the load you are carrying is stable and well-balanced;
- Have designated forklift pathways so employees who are walking can stay clear of forklift pathways;
- Do not overload the forklift with loads that are too heavy. Trying to move a load that is too heavy can cause tip overs;
- Do not carry people on a forklift;
- If possible, keep working forklifts as far away from other employees as possible. Workers are injured more frequently by forklifts when employees work in and around these machines; and
- Employers should require employees to take yearly forklift safety courses and make sure employees are following all of the safety procedures and systems when working on and around forklifts.
If these tips are routinely followed, the number of work-related forklift accidents will likely be less.
Common Forklift Injuries
There are certain work-related injuries that often happen when working with forklifts. Here are some of the most common:
- Broken and crushed bones in feet and legs from being run over;
- Neck and cervical spine injuries caused by the whiplash motion when the forklift strikes something;
- Lower back injuries due to sitting on a forklift for long periods of time; and
- Head injuries from when forklifts knock over products from higher shelves and striking workers in the head.
Many of these injuries can be very serious and cause a worker to be off work for long periods of time.
The Pottstown Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Wusinich, Sweeney & Ryan, LLC Can Help You Get the Benefits You Need If You Are Injured By a Forklift
If you have suffered a work-related forklift injury, you may have questions about what type of Workers’ Compensation benefits you are entitled to. Our Pottstown Workers’ Compensation lawyers at Wusinich, Sweeney & Ryan, LLC focus their practice on successfully representing injured Pennsylvania workers. Call us at 610-594-1600 or fill out our online form to make an appointment for a consultation. From our Exton, Pennsylvania office, we serve clients from areas including Lancaster County, Malvern, Morgantown, Uwchlan Township, West Chester, Exton, Coatesville, Downingtown, Phoenixville, Wagontown, Reading, Lyndell, Chester Springs, and Parkesburg.