07 May Common forklift accidents and how proper training can prevent them

Although serious forklift accidents can be rare, when they do occur they can be devastating.

That’s why working to prevent them at all costs is something that all workplaces and employers should be insisting on.

Forklifts are involved in typically one in four workplace transport accidents across the world, according to the International Labour Organisation.

At Masterlift, we believe even one forklift accident is too much and that’s why we’re constantly working to prevent them.

This blog will examine the most prevalent types of forklift accidents and how good training might help prevent them.

Common Types of Forklift Accidents

Forklift accidents come in all sorts.

Unfortunately, even the smallest accident can be really, really serious.

Here are some of the most common:

Collisions with other vehicles or objects

One of the most common types of forklift accidents is this.

It can happen when the operator is distracted or misjudges the distance between the forklift and other vehicles or objects in the workplace.

Collisions can damage the forklift, other equipment, or the environment, as well as cause significant injuries or fatalities.

Tipping over

If a forklift is overloaded or the weight is not properly balanced, it can tip over.

This is especially dangerous if the forklift collides with a worker or the operator is thrown off the truck.

 

 

Forklift-related injuries and fatalities are frequently caused by tipping over of machines.

This blog on identifying the fulcrum point on a forklift might help you prevent this.

Falling from a height

Forklifts are frequently utilised to transport employees to higher levels for maintenance or repair operations.

If the forklift is not securely secured or the person is not wearing sufficient fall protection, they can fall from the forklift and sustain catastrophic injuries or even death.

Person struck by a forklift

Workers on foot in the workplace are vulnerable to being hit by a forklift.

This can occur when the operator fails to notice the worker or when the worker is in a blind spot.

Struck-by accidents can result in serious injuries or fatalities and are frequently avoidable with sufficient training and safety precautions.

Causes of Forklift Accidents

In order to prevent accidents, it’s important to know where they come from.

Because forklifts are generally heavy, powerful machines, if they are not operated correctly, they pose a serious risk.

Forklift accidents are one of the major causes of workplace fatalities and injuries in Europe, according to a research by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work.

Here are the most common reasons they arise out of.

Operator Error

Operator mistake causes many forklift accidents, such as driving too fast, failing to yield to people or other vehicles, or making sudden stops or turns.

Poor or no training

Operators who have not undergone sufficient forklift training may be more likely to cause accidents because they are unfamiliar with safe operating practices or undervalue the hazards involved.

Check out our blog on Top Forklift Safety Tips for your Workplace to find out more.

Failure of equipment

Forklifts that have not been properly maintained or have faulty parts might malfunction and cause accidents.

Lack of visibility

Because operators may have difficulties recognising persons or things in their path, limited visibility is a major issue in forklift accidents.

The latest Hyundai machines ensure visibility in the cab is as good as it can be.

Importance of Forklift Training

Proper forklift training is critical for avoiding accidents and maintaining a safe working environment.

Masterlift provide the GOLD standard of forklift training and accreditation – RTITB!

Employers can assist lower the likelihood of workplace accidents and injuries by offering extensive training for forklift operators.

Some of the reasons why forklift training is essential include:

Observance of regulations

Employers are required by law in several countries to give forklift operator training, including Ireland.

Employers can avoid fines and legal penalties by following these regulations and promoting a safety culture in the workplace.

Better Safety

Forklift training can assist operators in understanding the hazards of forklift operation and learning how to operate the machinery safely.

This can help to lessen the risk of accidents and injury for both the operators and other personnel around.

Cost savings

Forklift accidents can cost employers a lot of money in terms of medical bills, worker’s compensation claims, and property damage.

Employers may help to lower these costs and safeguard their bottom line by investing in forklift training.

Increased Productivity

Forklift operators who have received proper training are more efficient and effective at their jobs because they are more suited to manage materials and traverse the workplace.

This can help to increase productivity and decrease downtime, eventually benefiting the company.

What does Effective Forklift Training Consist of

Forklift training is critical to ensure that operators can operate the apparatus safely and confidently.

To ensure that forklift training is effective, Masterlift conducts all the the following components in our RTITB Forklift Training and Accreditation.

Instruction in the classroom

Classroom training should address the fundamentals of forklift operation, safety protocols, and best practices for avoiding accidents.

We’ll give all participants a thorough run down of all things forklifts before they get on the machine.

Hands on Training

This is a vital part of forklift training and where we believe operators learn the most.

It is vital for familiarising the drivers with the equipment and its features as well as ensuring they practice safe operating techniques.

On-Site Training

Masterlift has found that on-site training can be the most beneficial for their operators and that’s why we will travel to your workplace.

We discovered that operators are more comfortably learning in familiar surroundings and the training can be tailored for obstacles they will meet every day.

It also saves time and money in having your employees off-site for the length of training time.

Assessment and Feedback

Following completion of training, operators should be evaluated to verify that they can operate the forklift safely and effectively.

Operators can use feedback to find areas for improvement and continue to improve their abilities.

Conclusion

Forklift accidents pose a severe safety issue in businesses worldwide.

Employers may help to lower the risk of accidents and safeguard their workers and their business by emphasising safety and offering appropriate forklift training for operators.

Effective forklift training should be comprehensive, suited to the specific worksite, and incorporate both classroom and hands-on education.

Employers who invest in forklift training can ensure that their employees are trained to operate the machinery safely and efficiently, as well as contribute to the creation of a safe workplace culture.

Get in contact to get trained up today.