An incredible proportion of all transport related accidents in the workplace involve forklift trucks (almost 25%) – and after recent incidents caused by propane powered forklifts, the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a safety notice on the importance of employers taking greater action to minimise the risk of forklift accidents.
Forklift Accidents At Work
The resulting injuries following forklift accidents, range from the minor to severe and even fatal, and usually cause workers to have time off in order to recover.
The most common dangers of using forklifts in the workplace, include:
- Obstacles
- Uneven flooring
- Sharing the space with pedestrians
- Lack of health and safety measures
- Lack of training
The most common causes of forklift accident claims, include:
- Hitting pedestrians
- Loads falling off onto someone
- Trapping limbs
- Tipping over on bends
- Insufficient space
- Tiredness
- Inadequate equipment
Health & Safety Executive’s Safety Notice
The Health & Safety Executive believe that the high level of forklift truck accidents is due to poor regulation and poor training by managers.
To improve the sector and minimise risks, the HSE has published an Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) that makes clear the minimum standards forklift drivers must observe:
- Training for managers and operators, at least every 3 years
- Vehicles must be maintained and any faults reported to supervisors
- Sufficient space for free and safe movement
- Premises maintained
In May 2023, the HSE also published a safety notice after becoming aware of a number of fires on LPG powered forklifts that have happened when starting the vehicles. Advice includes carrying out regular training in the use of LPG powered forklift trucks as well as ensuring awareness of potential hazards of these vehicles and keeping the spaces in which they are operated well ventilated.
Employers’ Duty Of Care
Employers are legally obliged to keep all employees safe while on the premises. This includes protecting them from potential hazards and risks in order to provide a safe working environment. Training must be provided on how to safely operate all machinery and equipment, including forklift trucks, and all equipment must be maintained.
If your employer has been negligent in their duty of care and you’ve been injured in a forklift accident as a result, you likely have grounds to claim for compensation.
Forklift Personal Injury Claims
As all forklift accidents and resulting injuries are unique, the amount of compensation in each case is too.
Factors that determine the level of compensation include your pain and suffering since your forklift accident at work, which is assessed during a medical examination to confirm the extent of injuries. Financial losses are also taken into consideration, such as loss of earnings and costs for medical treatment or travel to medical premises.
How We Can Help You With Your Forklift Accident Claims
Our specialist solicitors have extensive experience of handling forklift personal injury claims for clients and have an established track record of securing successful outcomes.
We will establish all the details of your forklift accident during a free initial, no-obligation consultation, which will enable us to calculate a fair settlement for your case – should you decide to go ahead with your claim for compensation, we will work hard to support you throughout the claims process and secure the compensation you deserve.
To find out more about making a compensation claim for a forklift truck injury please contact one of our experienced personal injury solicitors now! Call FREE on 0800 988 3674 or via a Mobile 0333 200 4465 or complete a Free Online Enquiry and we will soon be in touch.