Forklift Safety

Forklifts, also known as powered industrial trucks, are used in numerous work settings, primarily to move materials. Each year in the United States, nearly 100 workers are killed and another 20,000 are seriously injured in forklift-related incidents, according to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). If you’re a federal employee or contractor using a forklift, take precautions to avoid accidents and injuries. If you have already been injured, we may be able to help you obtain compensation.

There are about 855,900 forklifts in the United States, according to the Industrial Truck Association. Forklift overturns are the leading cause of fatalities involving forklifts, representing about 25 percent of all forklift-related deaths, according to NIOSH.

OSHA rules on training and maintenance

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued rules concerning the operation and maintenance of forklifts. Under the rules, operators must be trained, licensed and periodically evaluated for performance. The OSHA standard also addresses specific training requirements for truck operation, loading, seat belts, overhead protective structures, alarms and maintenance of industrial trucks. Refresher training is required if the operator is observed operating the truck in an unsafe manner, is involved in an accident or near miss, or is assigned a different type of truck.

OSHA requires that industrial trucks be examined at least daily (and after each shift if they are used around the clock) before being placed in service. A forklift should not be placed in service if any condition adversely affecting the safety of the vehicle is shown. Defects are supposed to be immediately reported and corrected.

Forklift operation

OSHA has set the following requirements for forklift operation:

  • On all grades, the load and load engaging means shall be tilted back, if applicable, and raised only as far as needed to clear the road surface. The forks shall not be raised or lowered while the forklift is moving,
  • The truck shall be operated at a speed that will permit it to be brought safely to a stop,
  • The operator shall slow down and sound the horn at cross aisles and other locations where vision is obstructed, and
  • The operator is required to look toward and keep a clear view of the travel path.

Contact Uliase & Uliase

If you’re a federal employee or contractor using a forklift and have been injured on the job, contact our office so we can discuss your situation and determine if you may be eligible for compensation.

At Uliase & Uliase, we have extensive knowledge of the federal workers’ compensation system. To schedule an appointment, contact our office online or call us at (856) 310-9002. We will meet with you weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. We offer a free consultation for injured workers.