What Is The Most Common Type Of Lift Truck Accident?

Lift trucks, also operating as forklifts or powered industrial trucks, are small units that can carry and move loads. Lift truck types are often used in both indoor and outdoor settings.

Many industrial sites involve them in heavy lifting, shifting, and positioning of materials. But their widespread use is not without significant risks. There is routine news of workers facing common forklift accidents.

The aftermath of a lift truck crash can lead to moderate to serious injuries if adequate precautions are not in place. We recommend developing a detailed understanding of the most common types of lift truck accidents to promote safety in industries that involve these vehicles.

In this blog, we will cover what is the most common type of lift truck accident. Moreover, it also includes the available types of truck accidents, their legal implications, and standard safety measures for lift truck accidents.

Understanding Lift Truck Accidents

The effects of a forklift truck accident can be devastating, often crushing operators, which may lead to extreme injuries or death. There are a handful of factors that can contribute to a forklift truck accident. They include:

• Overfilling beyond weight capacity
• Functioning on uneven or sloped surfaces
• Making aggressive, sharp turns at a rapid pace
• Unfitting load positioning or balance
• Operative error due to lack of training
• Sudden mast movements

Identifying these risk factors can help you go a long way in preventing accidents and ensuring workplace safety.

The lion’s share of reported forklift accidents happen at worksites, particularly in warehouses and construction areas. However, these incidents cannot be avoided or are limited to your workplace.
The particular circumstances of each incident determine the type of claim and potential compensation.

What Is The Number One Type Of Lift Truck Accident?

Forklift safety mishaps have been frequent over the years. But that does not make the idea of reversing the trend impossible. There are a handful of ways to prevent these types of forklift safety accidents. Many forklift accidents take place due to operator errors and not taking extra precautions.

What is the most common type of lift truck accident? We have detailed some examples of major forklift safety accidents that are most commonly found in factories.

• Forklift Rollovers
• Pedestrian Collisions
• Falling Loads
• Mechanical Failure
• Emissions Poisoning

Forklift Rollovers

What is the number one type of lift truck accident? A forklift rollover accident involves a forklift truck tipping over. It is arguably the most common forklift accident type found in warehouses. The rollover happens if you overextend the load, pushing it towards imbalance.

It can also occur with unanticipated movements, including turns on inclines, sharp turns, or uneven driving substrate. These accidents pose an extreme threat to the driver and others in the vicinity.

Apart from the risk of severe injuries and fatality, forklift turnover accidents also offer hefty expenses. All relevant parties must agree to OSHA-created policies and safety training. OEM forklifts feature diverse tool centers of gravity. Thus, we recommend that operators have complete knowledge of a forklift’s true potential.

If you or a loved one has suffered from a lift truck accident, speaking with a truck accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation.

Pedestrian Collisions

A pedestrian collision involves a forklift striking, bumping into, or rolling over a person. Such forklift accidents occur when both the forklift driver and the pedestrian miss out on identifying each other. Moreover, this kind of accident can happen because there is zero exchange of signaling between the operator and the pedestrian.

Most of these accidents are attributed to undertrained workers who lack the awareness of operating warehouse equipment. Installing effective forklift training can help in mitigating these risks. Also, they ensure the operators have a complete sense of awareness.

A rough 25% of all forklift mishaps consist of pedestrians, while a rough 35% of forklift accidents that result in deaths involve pedestrians. We recommend efficient safety training to cut down forklift pedestrian accidents.

Falling Loads

Falling loads become a harsh reality when a load tips, slides, or falls off the forks of a forklift, thereby making it dangerous to transport. This type of accident often takes place when the load is off-center, loose, or unsecured.

You may have various reasons for the failing loads, such as moving, shifting, or tilting the mast too fast. Falling loads account for a nominal portion of all forklift-related fatalities. However, they cause some of the most common forklift injuries in the workplace.

Although the operators are trying to commute at a rapid pace to get the job done, they must still use care when lifting any load. Moreover, they must ensure the product is centered and secured. Focusing on all possible details can help significantly reduce and prevent forklift injuries.

Mechanical Failure

Forklift mechanical failure is also one of the most common lift truck accidents, where a forklift part succumbs to functioning. Lack of genuine operation or maintenance can lead to mechanical failure. In most cases, it is either an operator mishandling issue or a faulty component that causes the mishap.

Developing forklift operator checklists coupled with warehouse equipment maintenance can negate the possibility of mechanical failures happening in operations. Moreover, it can keep you from shelling out expensive maintenance costs to fix the equipment that comes with it.

Emissions Poisoning

Emission poisoning happens when forklift operators develop health issues (sometimes severe). These often happen due to exposure to toxic liquids or fumes emitted by forklifts. It is often associated with internal combustion forklifts.

However, it can also happen from lead-acid batteries due to prolonged exposure to fumes and a lack of ventilation. Internal combustion can contribute to emission poisoning for a range of reasons. They could range from incorrect fuel mixture, poor ventilation, leaking exhaust, and excessive idling.

Operators can cut down on these emission-poisoning causes by putting in carbon monitors and scheduling regular maintenance. During their routine maintenance assessments, operators must adjust the fuel mixture and look out for leaks to ensure zero carbon monoxide gas build-up.

A Leading Cause of Serious Injuries and Fatalities

What body part is most likely to be injured in a lift truck accident? Lift trucks feature a heavy and powerful structure. So, all possible accidents have the potential to be fatal. Their capacity to transport bulky loads adds to the threat, as any accident can lead to catastrophic injuries or fatalities.

The restricted visibility and maneuverability of the machinery also contribute to accidents. It signifies the relevance of inadequate training and operator supervision. A range of factors influence lifts truck accidents, among which the common ones include mechanical issues, operator error, and unsafe working conditions.

Prioritizing them can benefit you in building efficient strategies to avert accidents. Training, maintenance, and proper workplace safety practices play vital roles in avoiding these risks. Employers must also implement stringent safety regulations and offer routine training to steer clear of such incidents.

Operator Error (Inexperience, Lack of Training)

What is the number one cause of lift truck accidents? Operator error is arguably the leading cause of lift truck accidents. This includes mishaps from inexperience or lack of adequate training.

They might wrongly assume distances, struggle to secure loads, or avoid safety protocols, leading to accidents. Guaranteeing comprehensive training for all operators will help minimize these risks.

Every lift truck operator must undergo proper training before starting work. The significance of forklift operator training is remarkable.

Overloading or Improper Loading of Cargo

Inappropriate or overloaded cargo on lift trucks can cause accidents. Securing loads inappropriately may lead them to fall, while overloading could cause the truck to tip over. In either case, there’s ample potential for causing injury or damage.

Therefore, we recommend that the operators realize the capacity limits of their trucks and follow them strictly to ensure safety. Many forklift accidents occur due to inappropriate cargo loading.

Mechanical Failure or Equipment Malfunction

Malfunctioning tools or other mechanical failures can also contribute to lift truck mishaps. Thus, there must always be room for regular maintenance and inspections to avoid such issues.

Employers must make sure all lift trucks are functioning at their maximum capacity. Plus, they must not have any sign of wear or damage.

Poor Workplace Conditions (Uneven Surfaces, Obstacles)

Unsafe workplace conditions, like obstacles or uneven surfaces in driving paths, can contribute to lift truck accidents. Such settings must ensure clear and safe paths for lift truck operation. Routine work atmosphere checks and maintenance can help in avoiding these accidents.

Why Pedestrian Collisions Are So Common?

Industrial workplaces and warehouses operate at a rapid pace where both pedestrians and forklifts share the same space. Interaction in such proximity gives way to a high risk of accidents, especially if there’s no safety measure in place.

A rough 20% of all forklift-related accidents include pedestrian collisions. It makes forklift pedestrian safety a genuine concern. We recommend understanding the most common causes of pedestrian-forklift accidents to cut down the risks and better workplace safety.

• Blind Spots & Limited Visibility – Forklifts come with restricted sightlines, making it difficult for operators to identify pedestrians, especially near corners, racks, or pedestrian access points.
• Fast-moving or Reckless Operation – Functioning at an unsafe pace, particularly in high-traffic areas, improves the likelihood of accidents.
• Lack of Warning Systems in High-Risk Zones – Workers may fail to realize the approaching forklifts without a proximity alert system.
• Forklift Noise & Distractions – Loud warehouse settings can make it difficult for pedestrians to notice forklifts approaching, compromising reaction time.

Proactive Steps for Preventing Lift Truck Accidents

Besides understanding what is the most common type of lift truck accident, it is also necessary to understand the steps required for preventing such accidents. Avoiding forklift truck mishaps necessitates adherence to safety protocols, precautionary measures, and routine tool maintenance. Lift truck operators can be successful in cutting down forklift accidents significantly if they can follow these tips.

We have detailed some key tips to avoid lift truck accidents:

1. Proper Training and Certification: Make sure all forklift operators have adequate training and certification. Routine retraining can help them keep their skills sharp and up-to-date with safety protocols.
2. Pre-Operation Equipment Checks: Implement an assessment of tools and equipment daily and report any damaged or malfunctioning parts right away. It aids in avoiding mechanical failures that could lead to accidents.
3. Maintain Clear Visibility: We recommend keeping the field of vision clear. The operator must refrain from driving with an elevated load that obstructs your view. Also, employ spotters when navigating blind spots.
4. Load Management: Keep from going beyond the weight capacity of the forklift. Also, center loads on the forks, keep them low while transporting, and tilt the mast back for added stability.
5. Safe Driving Practices: Follow the posted speed limits when driving in high-traffic areas and around corners. Refrain from making aggressive turns, and be cautious on uneven surfaces to avoid tipping.
6. Designated Work Zones: Apply barriers and floor tapes to mark forklift work zones and pedestrian walkways. This will contribute to cutting down the risk of collisions.
7. Proper Use of Gear: Use lifts exclusively for their primary purposes. Refrain from using them as man lifts. On the contrary, use suitable machinery such as scissor lifts for moving workers.
8. Regular Breaks for Operators: Provide operators with adequate breaks to keep mental sharpness and cut down distraction-related accidents.

The consequences of a lift truck accident can be overwhelming. They may include lost wages, medical expenses, and potential long-term disability. Employing the services of a truck accident lawyer can prove to be invaluable in filing a claim and securing fair compensation.

Lifted Truck Accident Statistics

In 2019, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics came up with a forklift accident statistics report. It concentrated on lift truck accidents between 2011 and 2017. Across the country, 614 workers lost their lives in various forklift truck accidents. Plus, there have been more than 7,000 injuries that resulted in days away from work each year.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, or NIOSH, states that, in most cases, fatalities happen when a forklift that has overturned or fallen from a loading dock crushes a worker.

They also say that many staff:

• Lack of understanding of risks when operating or working near forklifts.
• They do not adhere to the procedures outlined in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards, consensus standards, or equipment manufacturers’ guidelines.

Ready to Make the Switch to Sustainable Power with Pathway Law

If you have endured a forklift truck accident, you could qualify for workers’ compensation benefits in case you were an employee. Alternatively, you may have additional forms of legal recourse, too, based on the circumstances of your case.

In the absence of a fair insurance settlement, you must pursue legal action against the liable party. You will need the expertise of a personal injury lawyer in the USA who has previously worked with pedestrians and others affected by a truck accident.

Have you been involved in a lift truck accident? Don’t wait to get the help you need. The experienced truck accident lawyers at Pathway Law Firm can guide you through your legal options, help you understand lift truck classifications, and fight to get you the financial compensation you deserve. Reach out today to see how they can help.