Forklift Accident Statistics

It shouldn’t come as any surprise that a forklift is a dangerous piece of machinery. There are some pretty grim accident statistics to back up that notion. In reality, forklifts account for only 1% of all warehouse or factory accidents. But the accidents tend to be more serious than others, accounting for 10% of all physical injuries in those workplaces.

Here are five accident statistics that should cause you to exercise extreme caution when operating a forklift:

1. Forklifts account for around 85 deaths every year.
2. Forklift accidents that result in serious injury total 34,900 annually.
3. Non-serious injuries related to forklift accidents reach 61,800 each year.
4. A forklift overturning is the most common incident, accounting for 24% of all forklift accidents.
5. If companies implemented more stringent training policies, the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) estimates that about 70% of forklift accidents in the US could be prevented.

Why Are Forklifts So Dangerous?

There are a number of reasons why forklifts can be such a workplace hazard.

• They can weigh up to 9,000 pounds, which is three times heavier than many cars
• They can travel up to 18 mph
• Unlike a car, forklifts only have brakes in the front, making them harder to stop
• Forklifts are heavier in the rear to compensate for the heavy loads being carried in the front. This uneven weight distribution can make a forklift difficult to handle.
• A forklift is turned by the rear wheels, causing the rear end to swing outward. This ncreases the chance of tipping over during tight turns.
• Loads are carried in the front of a forklift, which can obstruct the view of the driver
• Forklifts are often used to raise hefty loads to considerable heights, a combination that is always dangerous

Forklift Safety

Forklift operators are required to be trained according to employer and OSHA standards. While keeping employees safe is certainly the No. 1 focus, it’s also important to keep your infrastructure protected as well.

McCue provides innovative products that safeguard your business against the damage caused by forklift accidents. Not all accidents are serious, but many of the smallest bumps and scrapes can cause significant harm to walls, pallet racks, doors and other areas of your warehouse.

Looking for a simple way to reduce forklift accidents? Keep forklifts and other heavy equipment away from your employees. Our modular Pedestrian Barrier can surround any space, regardless of size. It will completely shield areas you designate from collisions and place pedestrians out of harm’s way.

Made from zinc-plated steel and HDPE, the barrier’s rails absorb impacts and direct energy into the concrete. It’s easy to install and lasts for years. It’s the most advanced barrier system of its kind.

Our Pedestrian Barrier is just one of many products designed to absorb and deflect impact from forklifts and other heavy machinery. Whether it’s crash barriers, bollards or rack protection, we have you covered.

Check out our material handling products and contact us for a quote today.

 

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Sources:

The MHEDA Journal: http://www.themhedajournal.org/2013/03/06/facts-about-forklifts/

Occupational Health and Safety Administration: https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=FEDERAL_REGISTER&p_id=13456

Industrial Truck Association: http://www.indtrk.org/training

Daily Journal of Commerce: http://www.djc.com/news/co/11176945.html

U.S. Forklift Certification: http://www.usforkliftcertification.com/Forklift_Certification/how-fast-do-forklifts-go/

Occupational Health and Safety Administration: https://www.osha.gov/dte/library/pit/pit_q-a.html