According to OSHA, there are between 35,000 and 62,000 injuries each year involving forklifts. These accidents can be caused by an array of different reasons, each just as dangerous and fatal as the next. A few of the most common forklift accidents include:
- Forklift Rollovers: This accident occurs when forklifts tip-over, usually from turning too quickly at a high speed. This can also occur when driving on uneven surfaces or driving with heavy loads.
- Pedestrian Impacts: Forklifts are often operating within close quarters with warehouse workers on foot. Lack of awareness from pedestrians and lack of warning from forklift operators can often lead to forklift accidents. It’s important to be aware of one another to avoid fatal accidents.
- Lack of Proper Training: OSHA requires that all forklift operators are properly trained before using a forklift. Proper training can lead to fewer mistakes and decrease accidents by 70% in the warehouse.
- Dock Injuries: The most dangerous activity for a forklift driver is crossing a threshold. Whether it is moving around the warehouse, turning corners, or moving in and out of semi-trailers, forklift operators must remain alert and be certain it is safe to proceed.
SlowStop® Protective Guarding offers an array of products to keep your warehouse safe and your workers always protected.
- SlowStop® Fork Protection Plates are the optimal solution for preventing fork damage beyond protective barriers. Using the same high-quality materials you have come to expect from us, we have created fork prevention plates that can protect your employees while avoiding asset loss.
- Our FlexRail Polycarbonate Guardrail is cost effective and customizable to fit your warehouse needs. It’s ideal for protecting against forklift impacts.
- IronFlex Rack End Guard: Our all-new design, offered in 3” or 4”. Using our SlowStop rebounding technology and a specially created horizontal adapter, this product is ideal for protecting against forklift impact.
Proper warehouse and industrial protection are important to ensure the safety of warehouse workers and pedestrians inside of your warehouses. Help avoid this common forklift accident by making sure that your warehouse is properly protected with SlowStop® Protective Guarding.
Sources: Weyers, R. (2024, February 29). Top 10 most common forklift accidents [with statistics]: Conger. Conger Industries Inc. – Wisconsin’s Material Handling Experts. https://www.conger.com/forklift-accidents
