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What Is the Most Common Type of ForkLift Accident, and What Should You Do?

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Warner&Warner
What Is the Most Common Type of ForkLift Accident, and What Should You Do?

If you have been hurt at work in a forklift accident, it is critical that you tell your employer as quickly as possible to safeguard your rights under workers' compensation laws. 


Consult a doctor after reporting the accident. To assess the type and degree of your injuries and to obtain treatment, you should be evaluated by a medical practitioner. When you go to the doctor, be sure he or she understands you were wounded on the job.


Once you have a medical diagnosis, provide written notice to your superior. This notice should include the following:


  • A description of the task you were doing
  • A comprehensive account of how the accident happened
  • Any witnesses to your accident 
  • Your doctor's description of your injuries 
  • What caused your injuries


Are There Additional Claims to Forklift Accidents? 

To get money for other damages, like pain and suffering, you have to file a separate personal injury claim.


Take note that this personal injury claim cannot be made against a worker's employer unless the employer willfully caused the accident to cause damage. If the victim desired compensation for losses other than medical bills and lost earnings, they would have to bring a claim against a third party. Forklift manufacturers and maintenance companies are examples of common third parties. 


This will entail more complex processes, and we recommend working with legal professionals. 


What Is the Usual Type of Lift Truck Accident?

Forklift rollovers, also known as forklift overturns, are the most prevalent kind of lift truck accident, according to the CDC.  There are around 85-87 forklift-related fatalities and 34,000 forklift-related injuries per year based on the most recent estimates from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). A forklift overturn crushed the victim in 42% of fatal occurrences.


The following are the most common causes of forklift rollovers:


  • Turning too fast
  • Overweight or unbalanced loads
  • Unexpected mast movement
  • Turning on an incline
  • Driving with a Heavy Load
  • Driving over an uneven surface


All of these issues, however, stem from a single, basic cause: a lack of sufficient training. According to a study, poor training was directly responsible for 25% of forklift accidents, but there are many more errors that can be avoided with appropriate employer investment. Good training might prevent 70% of forklift mistakes.



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