Multiple Texas Worker Injuries Occur in Forklift Accidents in June 2020 – Part 10
The following are additional insights on common causes of forklift accidents and safety procedures to protect employees. The information is provided by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Forklift Mechanical Failure
Due to the weight of forklifts and the loads they carry, mechanical failure in forklifts can result in major accidents and injury. Like all machinery, forklifts need regular maintenance. Breakdowns and threats to worker safety are sure to occur if maintenance is neglected. The most common types of mechanical failure in forklifts include the following:
- Damaged or worn tires
- Leaks that result in fluids on the floor that create slipping and stopping hazards
- Brake failure
A Solution: On a regular basis, employers should ensure that forklifts are inspected. At the start of every shift, a forklift inspection checklist should be used to verify that the industrial vehicle is in good working condition and is safe to operate. Forklifts should not be placed in service if an examination reveals that there is a condition that can have a negative effect on safety. Lock and tag the truck out and schedule forklift repairs. Preventative maintenance programs are advised.
See Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, and Part 9 of this ongoing series.
This and all posts on this website are meant to aid Texas injured workers, particularly when the employer is not a Texas workers’ compensation participant. There is never an intention to suggest that a person or entity has engaged in wrongs of any kind.
–Guest Contributor
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smchugh