Forklifts are large, powerful machines that have the ability to move and lift thousands of pounds. At the same time, however, this also makes forklifts extremely dangerous if not used properly or if the machine is not maintained adequately. As such, safety and adequate maintenance are imperative to minimize any risks from suffering an injury while using a forklift. More often than not, if an accident occurs on a forklift, it is usually the result of someone’s negligence, whether it is the employee or the employer. This may have been what recently happened to one Texas worker who had been operating a forklift.
Forklift Overturns on Fort Worth Worker
Recently, a worker at a Fort Worth work-site suffered an injury after a forklift fell on top of the man. The worker, who was an independent contractor, had material atop the forklift. According to a firefighter at the scene, “he had a load up in the air and was backing with it and the counterbalance rolled over.”
Firefighters had to carefully lift the forklift to ensure that they did not cause the man trapped under the forklift further injury. The forklift was apparently angled in such a manner that moving it straight up would have cause the man additional injuries. Firefighters used air-filled bladders to slowly and incrementally lift the forklift off the man. The process of using air-filled bladders involves using flattened out bladders that are filled with compressed air to lift an object inch by inch. In case the bags suddenly deflate, wooden 4x4s, called cribbings, are used to stabilize the object.
Emergency responders airlifted the injured worker to the hospital. The man was reported to be in stable condition when he left the scene, but he did have a “pretty significant leg injury,” according to the firefighter in charge of the rescue.
Forklift Safety Guidelines
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, each year there are about 85 fatal accidents and 34,900 serious injury accidents caused by forklifts. In 2009, four workers died in Texas from forklift accidents. To reduce the number of accidents and to make workplaces safe, the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation, recommends that workers and companies follow proper procedures for loading, carrying, and unloading materials on forklifts.
For loading, it is recommended that the load is center and stable. If the load is unbalanced, the heavier end should be kept closer to the driver. And when the forklift is moving, the load should be carried low and tilted back. If the load is high, a slight bump can easily tip over a forklift because the machine is top heavy. If these safety measures are not followed, serious injuries can occur, as with the Fort Worth worker.
Injured at Work? Contact a Texas Work Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has suffered a work-related injury, contact a Texas work accident attorney to find out how to protect your rights. Zehl & Associates employs a team of experienced Texas personal injury attorneys who can help you recover compensation for your injuries in construction and other work-related accidents.
Contact one of Zehl & Associates’ Texas work accident lawyers today for a free consultation. You can call us at 1-888-603-3636 or you can visit one of our offices located in Houston and Austin.