Forklift trucks are powered industrial trucks designed to carry pallets and items for loading. They are used in retail spaces, warehouses, during truck loading, in construction, and in many other applications. According to OSHA, forklift truck accidents cause tens of thousands of injuries annually, many of them workplace injuries. Since Miami is a city with many businesses and industries, it sees its share of these types of Miami truck accidents. In fact, forklift injuries contribute to some Miami workers compensation claims each year.
Forklift truck accidents can occur due to driver error. In many cases, these errors may be caused by distraction or poor training. Some forklift truck accidents can be caused by mechanical errors. For example, hitches may fail to work correctly or another key system may malfunction. Environmental or situational issues also account for some of these accidents. For example, forklift accidents may be caused by a slippery driving surface, by an unstable dock, by another vehicle, by narrow aisles or inadequate space, and by many other preventable factors.
These types of Miami truck accidents often lead to serious Miami personal injuries, including spinal cord injuries, broken bones, amputations, and head injuries. These accidents can also cause property damage, lost productivity, and suffering.
OSHA has implemented a program to reduce industrial truck fatalities in Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and Alabama. Through September 30, 2012, OSHA will be raising awareness about injuries caused by these types of truck accidents and will be encouraging employers to prevent these truck accidents by creating a safer workplace.
There are many things that employers can do to create a safer workplace and to avoid truck accidents at work. OSHA has an informational website (http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/poweredindustrialtrucks/index.html) that can help employers and workers alike prevent accidents. Employers can also help by ensuring that employees have adequate training to operate forklift trucks. The areas where forklift trucks are used should be kept clear and safe, and should have adequate lighting as well as adequate space for forklift truck operators to maneuver the vehicles safely. Employers can also create a work safe policy for forklift truck operation and have this information posted where forklift truck operators can see it. Finally, it is the employer’s responsibility to ensure that forklift trucks are maintained correctly and are safe to use.
Employees also have a role to play in preventing forklift-related Miami construction accidents and workplace accidents. Employees can ensure that they get adequate training before using a forklift truck. They can also avoid driving distracted and can take steps to ensure that they follow all workplace rules regarding forklift trucks. If employees notice any safety concerns, they should bring them to the immediate attention of a supervisor, manager, or employer so that the issue can be fixed.
If you have been injured in a Miami truck accident or a workplace accident, contact the Flaxman Law Group today. The Flaxman Law Group is a part of the Miami community and has seen firsthand how devastating workplace and truck injuries can be. The legal team at the Flaxman Law Group has decades of experience getting compensation for Florida personal injury survivors, so contact the Flaxman Law Group today to schedule your free, no obligation consultation.