What is the Number One Cause of Lift Truck Accidents?
Forklifts are powerful machinery that can be devastating if they run into the wrong person. Many of these accidents can lead to death or severe injury. This can be particularly true in crowded warehouses and factories where human and machine workers are often working side by side.
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The number one cause of a lift truck accident is operator error. This could be a failure to use the right equipment or a lack of proper training. Forklift operators should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety protocols before operating a forklift. In addition, they should make sure that the equipment is in good working condition before they start using it.
Falling Loads
Another common cause of lift truck accidents is falling loads, which can be extremely dangerous for both the operator and those around them. This can happen when the lift truck isn’t secured properly, or the load has been shifted in a way that it doesn’t fit on the lift. The loads may also be loose or damaged, which can make them easier to fall.
Crushing Hazards
Pedestrians are the most at risk in this type of lift truck accident, as they are more vulnerable to being crushed by a truck than other people. For this reason, pedestrians should always stay out of the path of a moving lift truck and be careful about crossing in front of it.
Operator Speeding
Despite the fact that forklifts are designed to carry large loads, drivers can become overconfident about their driving abilities and may think that they have no need to slow down or stop. This can put them in danger of hitting other vehicles, pedestrians, and other obstacles they may have overlooked in their rush to complete their workday.
A common mistake that operators make is to lean out of their cab in order to get a better view of what’s ahead. Often this causes them to miss an obstacle they should have been able to see before they turned or began to back up.
Mounting/Dismounting the Truck
While it may seem obvious, mounting and dismounting a lift truck is often not a simple task. In fact, one in 25 forklift-related injuries occur when an operator is entering or exiting the lift. This is why it’s crucial that you instruct your operators to always keep their bodies inside the cab during operations, and never to try to escape from the vehicle once it is mounted or dismounted.
Incorrectly Positioning the Forklift
Another common cause of forklift accidents is when a lift truck is improperly positioned, which can result in the vehicle losing control or rolling over. For this reason, it’s vital to ensure that all forklifts are correctly positioned in their docks and in other workplace areas before they are used.
Narrow Walkways
Narrow aisles can be a challenge for operators and can create several hazards. For example, if the aisle is not wide enough for the lift to pass through, it can cause issues with visibility and can be difficult to maneuver. Narrow aisles can also be made worse by obstructions that can prevent the driver from seeing what’s in front of them.