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Forklift Accidents: Causes and Prevention

There are approximately one million active forklifts in the United States. It is estimated that 11% of all forklifts will be involved in some type of accident each year*. Organizations like OSHA set regulations to make working conditions as safe as possible, but accidents still happen as a result of improper training, distracted operators, and malfunctioning equipment.

1 in 6 workplace deaths involve a forklift

Forklifts account for around 85 deaths every year

34,900 serious injuries result from forklift accidents annually

Non-serious injuries related to forklift accidents reach 61,800 each year

Being crushed by an overturning forklift accounts for 42% of forklift deaths each year

In their useful life, 90% of all forklifts will be involved in some type of accident. (this assumes only one accident per forklift, with the useful life of a truck being about 8 years)

If companies implemented more stringent training policies, OSHA estimates that about 70% of forklift accidents in the US could be prevented.

10 Common Forklift Accidents and How They Can Be Prevented

Poorly trained drivers

Training is the first step in forklift safety. Not knowing how the forklift works or proper protocol for carrying loads is an accident waiting to happen. Additionally, new inventory, obstacles, changes in floor gradient, or nearby pedestrians can all cause problems for inexperienced operators. -- FIX: Provide training - OSHA requires that every forklift operator be trained and certified to operate a forklift, and the operator’s performance be evaluated on the provisions of 1910.178(l)(3) every three years. Speeding

Forklift drivers often become too comfortable and drive irresponsibly. Traveling too fast on a forklift shortens reaction time and leads to accidents. OSHA advises drivers to stay at or below 5 miles per hour.-- FIX: Slow down - Post speed limit signs around the facility, and make sure forklift drivers know the rules and follow them. Operating a forklift with an elevated load

This happens much too often. Driving with an elevated load makes it hard to see, the forklift harder to control, and can cause crashes or the forklift to tip.-- FIX: Keep forks low - OSHA regulations encourage drivers to carry loads as near to the ground as possible, approximately 4 inches from the floor. Improper turning

Regardless of load, forklifts can tip. They turn with the rear wheels which causes the rear end to swing outward, increasing the chance of tipping during tight turns. -- FIX: Slow down for turns - Turning a corner too fast can cause the forklift to tilt. To avoid tipping, slow down before the turn and maintain a gradual speed through the entire rotation. Insufficient warnings and markings

Marking forklift zones is paramount to safety, especially where both forklift and foot traffic are present. Prevent accidents by warning

employees and visitors with ample signs and floor markings. -- FIX: Mark your facility - Floor tape and floor signs are the most efficient option for marking forklift zones due to ease of application and durability. Mark aisles, pedestrian walkways, ledges, traffic flow, and hazard areas. Giving rides or riding on the forklift

It may seem harmless, but riding anywhere on the forklift or forklift load that is not a proper seat can be extremely dangerous. It’s never a good idea to ride on the forks or use body parts to balance loads. -- FIX: Only ride in proper seats - Never ride on the forklift anywhere that is not a proper seat. In addition, wear a seatbelt if one is provided. Workplace design

Consider workplace design when purchasing a forklift. Make sure the forklift is appropriate for the space it will be used in. If there is minimal aisle space, invest in a narrow-aisle forklift. Layout plays a big role in forklift safety. -- FIX: Maintain a safe area for forklift operation - Keep doors and intersections clear of obstructions

Remove clutter from aisles

Mark forklift areas with wall signs and floor markings

Warn drivers of changing floor gradients and ramps

Maintain a clean loading dock Load blocks vision

Even when operating a forklift safely and carrying a load as low as possible, vision can often be impaired which may cause accidents with pedestrians or infrastructure. -- FIX: Drive backwards - If you cannot see past the load, drive the forklift backwards. Unbalanced or insecure loads.

Another major cause of forklift tipping is uneven and insecure loads. Things can go sideways fast when a load is unbalanced -- FIX: Balance and tighten loads + angle forks up - When loading the forklift, make sure the load is secure and balanced on the forks. For additional safety, angle the forks up. Forklift mechanical failure

Given the weight of the forklift and it’s loads, a mechanical failure can cause major accidents and injury. -- FIX: Inspect the forklift regularly - At the beginning of each shift, follow a forklift inspection checklist to make sure it is in safe working condition.

More Forklift Safety Tips

Forklift Parking

When not in use, park the forklift in designated forklift parking areas

Wear PPE

Wear appropriate PPE. Hard hats and reflective vests are often required in forklift areas.

Set the E-brake

The average forklift weighs 9000 lbs. A runaway forklift can cause major damage. Set the e-brake!

Many accidents can be prevented with training, proper floor marking, safety signs, and forklift operators using caution and following rules set in place for your facility.

Resources

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2001-109/default.html

https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/poweredindustrialtrucks/hazards_solutions.html

http://www.mccue.com/content/forklift-accident-statistics

http://www.toolboxtopics.com/Gen%20Industry/Forklift%20Fatalities.htm

http://www.nfe-lifts.com/7-most-common-causes-of-lift-truck-accidents/