Accidents involving forklift trucks account for about a quarter of all transport-related workplace incidents. The injuries that result from these accidents can be severe and sometimes lead to workplace fatalities.

Forklift accidents happen for numerous reasons. However, they are often caused by hazards such as uneven floor surfaces, large obstacles and a general lack of risk assessment in the workplace environment. Accidents are more likely to occur in areas where pedestrians are free to roam around. This is particularly the case when forklift operators are focused on transporting their load and may overlook the presence of their colleagues in the vicinity.

Have you or a loved one been injured in an accident involving a forklift truck or pallet truck? If so, you may be able to claim compensation.

Call our experts on 0800 808 9740 to discuss your claim in a free no-obligation initial consultation. Alternatively, you can fill out an online form on our website to arrange a conversation with one of our specialists.

The Health and Safety Executive

Lack of proper training combined with the poor regulation of forklift trucks (FLTs) has led to a high proportion of transport-related workplace accidents in recent times, according to the Health and Safety Executive.

The HSE drafted a document named the Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) in response to the large volume of forklift accidents. This lays out the legal minimums that forklift operators must adhere to.

The guidance provided by the HSE includes the following provisions:

1. Using safe and appropriate equipment
2. Premises where forklift trucks are present should be well-maintained
3. Employers should ensure that there is enough space for FLTs to move freely and safely
4. Both managers and operators should undergo FLT training which should take place every three years. Operators have a responsibility to ensure that the vehicle is well-maintained and any faults are reported.

Common Causes of Forklift Accidents

• Poor lighting
• Lateral tip-over when turning corners
• Driving off a loading bay
• Insufficient room to operate the vehicle safely
• Overcrowded environment
• FLTs hitting pedestrians
• Drivers trapping limbs
• A load falling onto another employee

The vast majority of FLT-related personal injury claims can be attributed to lack of training. Other causes can include poor concentration, stress, tiredness and inadequate equipment in the workplace.

How can employers and employees minimise risks?

1. Forklifts should be maintained and inspected regularly
2. Employers should initiate appropriate risk assessments and follow-up actions
3. There are a variety of forklift trucks available to different types of task. The correct type of FLT should always be used for a particular job.

Employer negligence

Your employer must comply with the requirements listed above or they may be breaching their statutory duty. If they have failed to take these measures you are likely to have a strong case for making a personal injury claim if you have been injured as a result of their negligence.

Employers have a duty of care to their workers and should ensure that all equipment is safe to use in the workplace environment. The appropriate training should also be provided to all employees who operate any machinery or tools, including forklift trucks or pallet trucks.

Making forklift accident claims

At First Personal Injury we have a specialist team of personal injury lawyers who have a wide range of experience dealing with personal injury claims, including forklift accident claims. We’ll guide you through the entire legal process from start to finish and ensure that you reap the results you deserve.

Call us for a no-obligation initial discussion on 0800 808 9740 today or contact us online via our website.

How we can help with other work-related accident claims

At First Personal Injury we deal with a wide range of types of accident at work claims, including construction accidents, factory accidents and commercial kitchen accidents. If you’ve been involved in another kind of accident, we may be able to help you. Please feel free to contact our specialists on 0800 808 9740 or via this website.