A forklift is one of the most common heavy machines used in construction. Forklifts are used by construction workers to lift heavy loads and move them from one point to another within the construction sites. Nevertheless, forklifts pose significant safety and health hazards to construction workers.
Forklifts accidents usually involve:
- Collision with obstacles.
- Load falling from the forklift on construction workers.
- Tip-over due to overloading.
- Forklift hitting or running over workers due to loss of control.
- Improper use like using the forklift to lift people or driving with load elevated.
On average, one of every ten forklift is involved in accidents. Also, about 96,000 construction workers in the US sustain injuries from forklift-related accidents every year. It is, therefore, imperative that construction site managers understand the measures that have to be taken to ensure that forklift operators and other construction workers are adequately protected from the risk of injuries that could arise from forklift accidents.
Below is a rundown of tips that site managers and construction workers can use to improve forklift safety on construction sites.
1. Understand The Risk
Just as in solving any other problem, the solution to forklifts safety hazards begins with understanding the risk. It is important to understand that forklifts are more hazardous when carrying heavy weights. Heavy load makes the machine less stable and harder to maneuver. A fully loaded forklift weighs up to five tons. Speed is also a factor that influences the likelihood of forklift accidents. Nevertheless, accidents can still occur even at low speed. In case the operator is unable to avoid an obstacle or a person, or a heavy load falls on a construction worker, serious injuries can occur. All in all, understanding these risks is the most fundamental step towards preventing them.
2. Make Sure That Operators Are Licensed
As a site manager, you must ensure that your forklift drivers are licensed. Licenses are issued to forklift operators after a rigorous training process. Thus, a license implies the forklift driver is qualified for the job and has a clear understanding of safety procedures when operating forklifts.
3. Maintain The Forklift
Like any other heavy machine, a forklift has to be properly maintained. Repairs have to be done to done in such a way that they meet the manufacturer's standard. Furthermore, any work on the forklifts must be done by qualified professionals.
4. Respect The Limits
Forklift operators and site managers have to understand the limitations of forklifts regarding capacity and the environment with which they operate. The load weight carried should be within the limit that the forklift and the floor can hold. The speed should also not exceed the limit beyond which maneuverability is compromised.
In conclusion, it is apparent that although forklifts are vital in construction work, they pose safety hazards at construction sites. However, operators and site managers can observe the above-discussed tips and improve forklift safety at their construction sites.
If you or a loved one has suffered a forklift injury on a Queens
New York construction site you can contact the following lawyer:
Lipsig, Shapey, Manus & Moverman
24-20 Jackson Ave #208
Queens, NY 11101
929-239-4664
