One type of machinery often seen on constructions sites is a forklift. Forklifts are helpful on construction projects as they allow for transport of heavy materials without individual workers having to lift and carry them. This relieves stress on their bodies and allows for more efficient construction work.
Operators of forklifts must be trained on how to safely use this construction equipment. In New York City, owners and general contractors are under pressure to get the job done quickly. This leads to shortcuts in terms of safety, training, supervision, inspections, and monitoring. Shortcuts, unfortunately, lead to forklift accidents. OSHA statistics report nearly 700,000 forklift accidents each year in America.
worker run over or struck by a forklift in operation
forklift overturning
electrocution
fall from a forklift
Common Types of Forklift Injuries
crush injuries
orthopedic injuries
degloving injuries
brain injury
spinal cord injury
fractured bones
paralysis
Another common cause of forklift accidents is the construction site work area design and layout. Examples of hazardous job conditions include:
construction debris
failure to clear passageways and aisles
narrow passageways and or aisles preventing a forklift from passing
lack of space for a forklift to turn
lack of safety monitors or flagmen to direct the forklift while it is turning or reversing
vertical columns, poles, and other obstructions
ramps, inclines, holes, height differentials, and other construction floor or ground hazards
poorly maintained loading docks
Other common causes of forklift accidents include
failure to communicate with other construction workers who are walking near the forklift
failure to adequately warn others of what the forklift will be doing: reversing, lifting or dropping loads, turning, etc.
improper or inadequate training of the forklift operator and other personnel
forklift driver error
Speeding
negligent driving
failing to follow safety rules
inadequate lighting
tight intersections in a busy construction site; blind spots
carrying a load that is too heavy; tip over accidents
A forklift accident can also occur due to a failure to repair, maintain, and inspect the forklift itself leading to problems with the brakes, mechanics, clutch, and other elements of the machinery.
Who is at fault in a forklift accident ?
Workers compensation insurance will pay the injured worker lost wages and medical bills
A third party lawsuit can be filed in New York against the individual or company that was at fault as long as it is not the plaintiff’s employer
The New York State Labor Law statute may be implicated in forklift accidents
Contact the forklift accident lawyers at the F& A injury law firm at (212) 222-1111, or fill out our online contact form.
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