Accidents in the workplace can lead to serious injuries and forklift trucks are the most common cause of workplace transport accidents. Injuries caused by forklifts, pallet jacks and other utility vehicles cause around 1,500 accidents each year in the UK.
Injuries sustained can range in severity and include head injuries, spinal damage, orthopaedic injuries, loss of limbs and in tragic cases, fatalities.
In this blog, we will discuss employer’s responsibility, forklift safety and what to do if you have a workplace injury claim.
Types of Forklift Incidents in the Workplace
Some of the more common causes of forklift accidents include:
- Falling loads
- Tipping over
- Dangerous driving / lack of control
- Being struck by a forklift
- Collisions with other vehicles or objects
- Mechanical failures
- Emissions poisoning
Forklift safety incidents have increased in recent years, with an average of 27 people each year losing their life to a forklift truck accident at work. There are a number of reasons why accidents could be on the rise, including labour shortages, increased expectations and 24-hour shift working.
Forklifts are heavy and dangerous pieces of equipment. Some forklifts can lift up to 50 tonnes – the weight of 7 adult elephants! So, whether they are being used in warehouses, in construction or manufacturing, it is crucial that they are handled with care.
Employers Responsibility – Workplace Accidents
As with any vehicle or piece of machinery, accidents can happen and it is imperative that the correct training, servicing and operation is put in place to prevent serious harm.
Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a forklift licence and drivers only need to be over the age of 16 (although many workplaces have their own policy for operators to be over 18).
Employers have a duty of care to ensure that employees are protected from injury at work. Under the Health & Safety at Work Act, employers must provide information, training, protective equipment and supervision to minimise the risk of workplace injury.
Comprehensive training should be delivered by an accredited body and refresher courses should be offered for occasional workers, workers who have had accidents, those returning to work after prolonged periods of leave and whenever workplace practices or environments change.
Forklifts, jacks and other equipment should also be regularly serviced, well maintained and checked to ensure employee safety.
An employer could be negligent if an accident or injury occurs due to faulty equipment, lack of training, poor safety measures, dangerous workloads, dangerous working conditions, inappropriate layouts and obstructions.
Employees Responsibility – Forklift Accidents
Employees should take reasonable care of their own health and safety at work, including others around them. This includes making sure they are fit to operate heavy machinery, that they are wearing the correct protective clothing, reporting any hazards and following the correct procedures.
Employees that are messing around, driving dangerously or operating forklifts under the influence of alcohol or drugs can find themselves responsible for any serious injuries that they cause to themselves or others.
Loss of Earnings After Forklift Injuries
If you have suffered injuries following a workplace accident involving a forklift truck, then you might find yourself out of pocket being on statutory sick pay or left unable to work if you have lifelong injuries.
Depending on who is responsible for the accident, you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation. This will help recoup loss of earnings, but also compensate you for pain, suffering and any long-term treatment that you will require.
No Win No Fee Accident Claims
At Barker Booth & Eastwood we have a successful track record representing warehouse workers, forklift operators, delivery drivers and other employees who have suffered serious injuries in the workplace. We work on a no win, no fee basis, so there is no financial risk in starting a claim with us.
If you are not sure about your rights or want to discuss a claim, get in touch with our friendly and dedicated personal injury lawyers today.
Our priority is to get your life back on track and put you in the best financial position to access rehabilitation, care and enjoy a good quality of life with your family.
Call us on 01253 362 500 to discuss your situation or complete our online contact form and someone will promptly get back in touch with you.
