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Whether a business refers to its forklift vehicles as trailer loaders, tow-motors or fork-hoists, these powered industrial vehicles are, in many cases, open-sided, small trucks capable of manoeuvering heavy loads. Their slow speed may make them seem a benign method of travel, but the consequences of a forklift truck accident can be catastrophic.
Telehandler forklift truck accident
In 2008, a construction site accident, involving a type of forklift known as a telehandler (telescopic materials handler), caused the death of one man and saw two others suffer severe personal injuries.
A telehandler is a forklift truck which has a telescopic boom which extends forwards and upwards, and is capable of having a range of attachments fitted, such as a bucket, muck grab or lift table.
Whilst the boom is possibly its main advantage over an ordinary forklift truck, its addition is also the telehandler's biggest safety disadvantage. Despite being equipped with rear counterweights, the boom, and any subsequent load, causes the vehicle to become unstable and the danger of a topple-over accident are increased.
In the 2008 accident the telehandler operator had been carrying out, what he thought were, routine morning checks on the machine. He had been under the impression that before commencing work he should raise and extend the boom.
The telehandler had been on unstable ground and as the boom was raised, the vehicle tipped over. The front forks of the truck smashed into a nearby car, causing devastating damage to the vehicle and its occupants who had been waiting to start their day's work on site.
HSE investigation into a forklift truck accident
One man died in the telehandler accident, another suffered spinal fractures and brain injury, while a third man suffered injuries to his neck and spine, a broken ankle, broken ribs and a fractured breastbone.
The ensuing Health and Safety Executive investigation found the operator and the construction firm with responsibility for the forklift truck guilty of breaching relevant safety regulations. They were both fined.
HSE Inspector James Powell said after the hearing, "This was a horrific accident that was totally avoidable. Construction sites have inherent risks, and even rough-terrain lift trucks have strict operational limits that need to be observed. With competent operation and suitable maintenance, tragedies like this should not happen.
"Lives have been destroyed here and today's sentencing must serve to remind all employers and employees of their duties and responsibilities while using this type of machinery."
Making a claim for a forklift truck accident
If you or a loved one has been involved in a construction site accident involving any type of machinery or truck, and another party has been deemed at fault in the incident, then it is very likely you will be able to make a successful claim for accident compensation through the civil courts.
Our no-win no-fee personal injury solicitors have many years experience in handling this type of claim and their success rate is high. All YouClaim's legal specialists are accredited by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and their high levels of representation are assured.
Call us today on our freephone number 0800 10 757 95 to see if we would be able to help you to claim compensation after a forklift truck accident. Alternatively, you could start an Echat by clicking on the Live Help button or click on the Call me back button and we will call you to discuss the possibility of commencing a claim.
