7 Common Types of Forklift Accidents That Every Site Should Avoid
Accidents on a construction site or in a warehouse area are something that every owner should avoid. It is the responsibility of the owner/employer and the senior manager to protect their workers from any accident. However, there are certain situations where accidents are caused either due to the site structure or the inefficiency of the operator while handling high capacity telehandler and several other forklift machines. When workers are assigned with their duties on a site or in a warehouse to lift loads via machines, there are chances when they can face unforeseen accidents. Here are seven common types of accidents that are common on every construction site due to the wrong use of forklifts.
Rollover Accidents:
Such accidents can happen in both forklifts- sit-down forklifts and stand-up forklifts. If there is any event of a tip-over, they should stay in the seat with seat belts on and lean away from the point of impact. For stand-up forklifts, the operator should step back from the compartment to a distance. The main reason for rollover accidents is a sudden abrupt turn or driving with suspended loads.
Pedestrian Accidents:
It mostly happens on a construction site where instruction boards are missing. Commonly, pedestrians are free to walk on footpaths and roads but with safety and by abiding by traffic rules. Moreover, if there’s a construction site, it should have proper notice boards painted in yellow and instructions written in black visible letters. Without such signboards, pedestrians won’t understand where to cross in a construction area.
Operator’s Inefficiency:
Whether it is a high-capacity telehandler or any other complex forklift, the inefficiency to drive and handling the vehicle is also the main reason for forklift accidents. It might be the operator’s inefficiency to drive and managing the forklift. Every operator must complete their basic and advanced level of forklift training. It takes almost a year to complete the training and work under supervision to achieve perfection. The driver should be a trained one who knows how to handle a forklift in any situation.
Falling of Loads:
It happened when forklift operators are not trained and tasked with carrying heavy loads. There are heavy jobs that involve lifting and transporting raw materials, heavy boxes, that can easily fall if not secured properly. In such a case, there is a high probability of loads falling from height. It can badly injure anyone working on the site or pedestrians outside the construction/warehouse area.
Workers falling from Forks:
It is highly advised for workers never to stand on the elevated forks. This might give convenience for work, but there are chances of slip and fall. In case of windy weather, the forklift operator should be shut as it is dangerous to work at height with blowing wind.
Any Mechanical Failure:
Forklifts are just like any other piece of machinery. They need to be maintained regularly to avoid any failure. When forklifts are left to languish under the conditions of work, breakdowns and safety issues are sure to result.
Crush Accidents:
Inattentive backing by the operator is the major cause of crush accidents. Pedestrians can become pinned between the truck and a fixed object if the operator isn’t paying attention. This causes a fatal result. So, every forklift driver needs to get proper training and vigilance while operating the vehicle.
Do you need efficient construction equipment? Are you looking out for the best price and specifications but could not get the same? Visit the official website of Dieci Ontario and select the construction equipment of your choice. You can purchase them for a lifetime or rent them till the time of use. For a high capacity telehandler and other efficient equipment, you can call us at 1-833-743-2500 or write to us at info@torcanlift.com. Our representatives will connect with you to know and process your requirement.