There are many residents in Lincoln and surrounding areas that work in an industrial location such as a warehouse or construction site. These are good jobs that offer a worker a steady income. Most workplaces understand that worker safety is their number one priority. But, occasionally a serious construction worker injury occurs, such as a forklift accident.
Forklift accidents are relatively rare, but they do cause serious injuries. Each year forklift accidents kill 85 people and seriously injury another 34,900 each year. The most common injury from a forklift is having a forklift overturn. This occurs in almost a quarter of all accidents. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration estimates that up to 70 percent of forklift injuries could be prevented if better training was provided to workers.
There are many reasons why forklifts are so dangerous. First, they oftentimes weigh three times more than cars, and they can travel up to 18 miles per hour. Forklifts only have brakes in the front which makes them more difficult to stop. They also have an uneven weight distribution which makes them difficult to handle. The rear wheels turn a forklift which in tight spaces can cause the forklift to tip over. Also, forklift loads are carried in the front which can obstruct the driver's view and they are used to lift heavy loads up high which can be dangerous as well.
If a worker has become the victim of a forklift accident they may want to speak with an attorney. An injured worker may have the legal right to pursue workers' compensation insurance for their medical expenses and lost wages. An attorney can help make sure the worker receives the benefits they need, so they can focus on getting better.
Source: osha.com, "Powered Industrial Truck Operator Training," accessed on Aug. 27, 2017
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