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Forklift Truck Accident - (FLT)
Have you been involved in a forklift truck accident?
Research has shown that forklift truck accidents (FLT's) are responsible for up to 8 deaths a year that is almost 1 every 6 weeks in the UK alone. However, not all forklift truck accidents are fatal and many more workers experience serious injuries as a direct result of being involved in an accident involving fork lift trucks.
The term fork lift trucks covers more than just classic fork lift trucks it also refers to 'stand trucks' and 'reach trucks' both of these involve the operator to stand on a platform to control the truck and are used to place and retrieve items on high stacks.
Fork lift trucks are utilized greatly throughout UK industry but as far as an industrial piece of equipment they can be very dangerous. Everyday a British worker is admitted to hospital because of injuries sustained by a fork lift truck.
This doesn't necessarily apply just to the driver / operator of the forklift truck it can also be people who are working in the vicinity of a fork lift truck, or even people visiting a premises where a fork lift truck is being used.
Members of public are also at risk when visiting such places as warehouses, DIY stores and garden centers where forklift trucks are used extensively.
Common Fork Lift Truck Accidents (FLT)
- Toppling - If a forklift toppling over due to being operated on an uneven or unsuitable surface. This could be due to the floor having a steep incline or where potholes or drains are exposed.
- Fallen Load - Passers by being hit by a load that has fallen off the truck, this could be due to bad operating skills or badly stacked pallets that can cause the load to be uneven.
- Pedestrian Collision - If a person is literally run over by a forklift truck either knocking them to the ground or crushing a limb such as a hand or a foot. Also pedestrian collision could involve being crushed between the truck and another object, a wall for example.
- Knock on Effect - The forklift truck causing items on a high level to fall into an adjacent aisle or gangway due to the items being pushed from the previous side of the gangway. This is common and also the person has no warning that they are in danger as the forklift is operating in the next gangway or aisle.
- Equipment Collision - If a forklift collides with other equipment that might be stacked high causing it to fall. For example if a forklift was to reverse into the end of an aisle that is stacked at a warehouse it might cause the structure to fail and therefore collapse and the contents fall from a height onto either the driver or a passer by.
- Collision - Two forklift trucks or a forklift truck and another vehicle being operated in the same vicinity collide; this can cause injury to both parties.
- Operator Dismount Injury - When stepping from the vehicle, the driver may slip or fall due to dangerous floor surfaces or potholes on the driving surface.
- Due Care and Attention - If the forklift is being driven carelessly and / or at a dangerous speed.
If you have been involved in any of the above accidents relating to forklift trucks then don't hesitate to get in touch and we will examine your circumstances and help you to claim any compensation that could be due to you as a direct result of an FLA.
Over the years of dealing with forklift truck claims we have compiled a list of the most common reasons that the above accidents can occur. We have narrowed it down to just three major areas of concern. It is for these very reasons we encounter a large amount of incidents regarding forklift trucks within workplaces.
Here is a brief examination of these causes:
Poor Maintenance
Many of the components of a forklift truck need regular maintenance in order to operate correctly, it is the responsibility of the organisation providing the operator with the truck to make sure that the forklift trucks are maintained regularly.
Chains must be checked every 12 months by a qualified inspector, if the truck is in operation over 40 hours a week then six month checks are required. If you have been involved in an accident a copy of the 'check-up' certificate should be made available.
Petrol powered forklifts should not be used in an inappropriate or incendiary atmosphere, As well as electrical forklift trucks should provide protection from electrical accidents.
Tyre pressure should be correct at all times. If the forklift operates at a height of 1.8 meters or more then a overhead guard must be fitted to protect the driver / operator. All moving parts on the forklift should be protected with the appropriate guards and safety devices.
Adhering to these checks and inspections can rapidly reduce FLT accidents.
Insufficient Training
Forklift truck drivers need to be trained to a proficient level for the job in hand to help reduce the risk of a forklift accident. Following basic training, specific job training should also be carried out with forklift operators and a supervised period is helpful to allow the operator to familiarise themselves with the task required of them within the workplace.
If a new truck is introduced the operator should receive additional training in respect to the conversion. Any training certificate should be provided when looking into a potential claim involving a forklift truck operator. These should always be at hand and kept safe as they could prove useful in any potential forklift accident compensation claim.
All training that is provided to the operator must be must be given in line with the Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) and all drivers must have appropriate physical/mental/visual health for the operation of a forklift truck.
Hazardous and bad working conditions
All measures should be taken to make sure that the forklift can be operated safely in its chosen environment, for example working areas should be wide enough and also have reasonable overhead clearance for the sustained use of forklift trucks.
Suitable flooring and a well lit area is essential for a hazard free working environment. Inclusion of one-way systems can also help reduce the possibility of a forklift truck accident and therefore the need for a claim for compensation.
As a general rule pedestrians should be kept away from the working area as they create a potential risk and an increased chance of an accident occurring.
Safety measures that can also help to prevent forklift accidents are audible warning devices, parking zones, high visibility clothing and the use of protective headgear.
It is important that legal advice about making a claim is sought without delay, simply use the contact situated top left.
Remember, with Attwood Solicitors there is no risk to you:
NO WIN, NO FEE
For more information or to discuss a case for forklift truck accident compensation please don't hesitate to call on '0800 145 5105' alternatively use the contact details below: