The Danger of Forklift Accidents at Work
Workers injured in forklift accidents may be able to obtain compensation for their injuries, medical expenses and lost wages. Learn more about forklift accidents and how a lawyer can help.

December 08, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Powered industrial trucks, more commonly known as forklifts, are dangerous pieces of equipment that can seriously injure or kill someone in an on-the-job accident. Although training on the safe use of forklifts can help prevent many of these accidents, if one does occur, a New York City forklift injury lawyer can help workers in warehouses and retail stores like Home Depot pursue compensation for their medical bills, pain and suffering, lost income and more.

Forklift Accident Statistics

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 20,000 workers are seriously injured in forklift accidents every year, and almost 100 workers are killed. Forklift operators may be injured by hitting their heads on the overhead cage, slipping off the forklift steps and tipping over the forklift by driving too fast.

According to the CDC, about a quarter of all forklift injuries result from a forklift tipping over. In addition, many other forklift injuries result from being hit or crushed by a forklift while on foot, or from falling off a forklift.

Safe Forklift Operation

Several factors contribute to forklift accidents, especially inadequate training of forklift operators. Before using a forklift, workers should be instructed on how to control the equipment and operate it safely considering the workplace conditions. Narrow, crowded aisles, improperly functioning or poorly designed equipment, and a high volume of people walking or working in the area also increase the risk of a forklift accident.

Because of the risks of forklift-related workplace injuries, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has formalized common-sense safety measures as federal regulations for forklift operators, many of which instruct operators to drive the equipment "at a speed that will permit it to be brought to a stop in a safe manner" and to slow down for wet and slippery floors.

Compensation for Forklift Injuries May Be Possible

Importantly, not all forklift accidents are the operator's fault, and even if a worker contributes to a forklift accident in which he or she is seriously injured, the worker may still be able to obtain compensation.

Through a workers' compensation claim, an injured worker may receive benefits to cover his or her medical expenses and lost wages while recovering. Also, if a worker was injured by another worker operating a forklift, the injured person may be able to make a third-party claim for compensation against the at-fault forklift operator.

A New York City workplace injury lawyer can help injured workers understand their legal options and make claims for fair compensation.

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