At Atha & Co we specialise in helping individuals make accident at work claims after they have been injured in forklift truck accidents. According to statistics there are an average of five people per day taken into hospital with life changing injuries after being involved in a forklift truck accident at work.
Forklift truck accidents can be caused by a number of factors such as inadequate training. According to the OSHA 25% of accidents are due to operator errors which could have been prevented with proper training. All forklift operators also need a licence to operate forklift trucks and anyone operating without a licence can face serious consequences along with the employer as they are also responsible for providing a safe working environment.
Why Do Forklift Truck Injuries Occur?
Poor Maintenance - Issues like a broken steering mechanism, leaking hydraulics or poorly maintained brakes can lead to major accidents.
Falling Loads - While operators may be trying to work and move quickly through the warehouse, it is important to use care when lifting and transporting loads to ensure they are centred and secured.
Speeding - Speeding is a common cause of accidents whether the driver is in a rush or ignoring the rules. It is also essential to be careful especially when working in a warehouse.
Overloading - Overloading a forklift can cause the forklift to tip and fall over which can land on someone, damage the vehicle, stock and the operator.
Falling from the forks - When having to lift up other employees it is important to use guardrails and harnesses to avoid people falling from large heights.
Surrounding Environment - The surrounding environment should always be safe where forklift trucks operate. Employers should also train drivers how to to get in and out of the machine safely so that no injuries occur.
If you’ve been injured due to a forklift truck accident at work, we believe at Atha & Co it is essential that you take the right steps to protect both your health, employees and the prospect of your claim. We advise that you take the following steps following an accident:
1. Report the incident: Make sure the accident is documented in your company’s Accident Book, creating a formal record of your injury.
2. Gather evidence: If possible, collect CCTV footage and take photos of the accident scene, including any contributing factors like improperly stacked materials or faulty equipment.
3. Seek medical attention: Get immediate first aid, not just for your health but also to ensure there is a medical record of your injury.
4. Collect witness statements: Obtain contact details from any colleagues who saw the accident, as their statements may support your claim.
5. Cooperate with investigations: If your employer conducts a workplace investigation, participate fully to ensure a transparent process.
Our team at Atha & Co are experts in forklift truck injuries and accident at work claims. The team will listen to your claim, understand exactly what has happened and work with you to ensure that you get the compensation you are owed by your employer.
We know that making a claim can be stressful and overwhelming so we use our 50 years of experience to put you at ease and talk to you throughout the process of your claim.
Contact us today to find out more about making a claim involving an accident at work and how we can help you. You can fill in our contact form or alternatively give us a call on 01642 222 575.