Operator Forklift Training Accidents

Construction companies and employers are required by Federal law to provide a reasonably safe work environment for all of their workers, including providing proper training, especially when operating heavy machinery. Forklifts are one of the most used pieces of equipment on the job site and a forklift operator who is not properly trained puts themselves and others at risk for serious, and sometimes deadly, accidents. 

If you have been injured in an accident due to poor forklift operator training, contact 844 See Mike for a free consultation. We are a Chicago-based injury law firm representing individuals (and their families) who have suffered an injury in an accident. We will handle your case quickly and advise you every step of the way, and we will not hesitate to go to trial for you. Lastly, 844 See Mike is not paid attorneys’ fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. You have nothing to risk when you hire us – only the opportunity to seek justice. 

Forklift Training Regulations

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires specific training for anyone that operates a forklift. Even with these Federal requirements in place, some employers try to save time by allowing untrained or poorly trained employees behind the wheel of these large, heavy, dangerous machines. 

According to OSHA, forklift operators are required to be trained in the following:

• General operation – Forklift operators need a general understanding of how a forklift works, how to raise and lower the forks safely, how to turn the machine, and how to accelerate/decelerate.
• Daily inspection – To ensure that a forklift is operating safely and properly, operators should perform a daily inspection of the tires, hydraulic system, horn, lights, and forks.
• Weight distribution – A forklift operator must understand how to properly load the forks to ensure that there is no tipping of the machine or that a load does not suddenly drop. They should also understand that a load should be kept low to the ground and if vision is obstructed moving forward, the forklift should be operated in reverse.
• How to identify potential unsafe issues – Forklift operators should be able to identify issues that could be a potential problem and take precautions to prevent accidents. When unsafe issues are identified, they should be reported to the proper supervisor as well.

While most employers are law-abiding, some companies attempt to cut corners to save time and money, putting their employees at risk for serious injuries. If it is found that an employer did not provide adequate training to a forklift operator, or they did not follow proper safety protocol that resulted in an accident, the employer may be held liable for any injuries and damages their negligence caused.

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries due to negligence on the job site or a defective product, an experienced personal injury lawyer can review your claim and determine if there were unsafe working conditions, potential OSHA violations, and other hazards that may have existed at the time of your accident. They will also determine who may be liable for your injuries and damages and what compensation you may be entitled to.

Helping our clients is about counseling, advocating, and ultimately solving problems. With years of experience successfully representing the people, not the powerful, we will take care of the insurance adjusters, your medical bills, your property damage, and your lost wages, and monitor your treatment so you can focus on healing and getting your life back to normal. Our unique formula has earned us over 1,000 outstanding client reviews on our website, an A+ BBB rating, and over 135 five-star reviews on Google. Call 888-572-0176, e-mail us at michael@agrusslawfirm.com or schedule a meeting with us here. We’re here 24/7.