Pedestrians often do not see forklifts before an accident occurs

The most common causes of forklift construction accidents is pedestrians not seeing oncoming or reversing forklifts, the vehicle running off a loading dock, somebody being hit by a falling load being manoeuvred by the forklift, being hit by a moving forklift and a forklift tipping over causing the driver personal injuries. Electrocutions and unloading accidents (where products fall on to people) are also common.

Potential problems with forklifts that can cause a work-related construction accident include wandering pedestrians who are not being sufficiently observant, blind spots affecting drivers, narrow aisles, a turning radius which is too tight and the fact that vehicles can operate for 24 hours a day making the driver tired.

Furthermore, pedestrians involved in forklift construction accidents often don't understand stopping distances. Goods and products being carried by the forklift that fall on people is another major cause of accidents.

A sample case which took place in September 2006 involved a 21-year old man whose leg was nearly severed when a 4,500 pound counterweight weight fell off a forklift. He was crushing cans for a recycling company when the weight rolled off and landed on his leg.

Fortunately, the man was able to make a no win, no fee claim for work accident compensation. However, doctors expect that is injuries will never fully heal.

Preventing forklift accidents
As many forklift construction accidents happen because a vehicle tips over (as a resultof overloading, for example), it is now recommended that forklifts have a "roll over protection system" so drivers are not thrown from their seat and crushed by the forklift when it falls.

Some seats are badly designed and it is easy for drivers to be thrown out of a forklift. Padded arm extensions that stop a driver from falling or sliding sideways and handles that can be grabbed to keep the driver in the cabin are now available on some models of forklifts.

Proper training for drivers, keeping equipment well-maintained and ensuring that the operation area is kept clear are just a few ways to reduce forklift construction accidents.

Alarms that can be set off if a driver is concerned that an accident is about to occur and to startle nearby pedestrians walking into the path of the forklift are essential.

If an employer does not provide suitable preventative safety equipment and devices for forklift operation injured workers are likely to have strong cases for work accident claims.

Making a forklift compensation claim
Accidents that happen at speed in the workplace can be disastrous as there is often insufficient time to react. Employers keen to increase efficiency at the expense of safety often encourage excess loads which cause a forklift to trip over.

Our panel of personal injury solicitors have extensive experience in industrial accident claims and boast an impressive success rate. We have a no win no fee policy, your whole claim will be completely cost-free and any compensation awarded will go directly to you.

Call us now on 0800 10 757 95 and we will answer any questions you may have about making a construction accident claim.