Forklifts are essential tools on construction sites, allowing workers to move heavy materials efficiently. However, these powerful machines can become deadly if they are not operated properly or if safety protocols are not strictly followed. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), forklift accidents account for thousands of injuries and dozens of fatalities annually within the U.S. construction industry.
One of these fatalities occurred at a metal-polishing facility in Middlesex, when a beam fell off of a forklift and killed a 46-year-old construction worker. Jimmy Fernando Parrales Mora was on the job at Diamond Brite Metals when the accident occurred shortly after 7 a.m. Police responded to scene, but he was unresponsive.
The tragic incident was attributed to the fact that while the victim was guiding the beam into place, a strap on the forklift broke. Failure to secure a payload properly is one of the most common causes of forklift accidents. Lifting straps must be sufficient to hold the weight of the specific payload and regular inspection of straps and harnesses should be conducted. Other causes of forklift injuries and deaths include the following:
- Overturned equipment — When the weight of the payload is not distributed evenly, the machine is moving too fast or the operator takes a sharp turn, a forklift might tip over.
- Collisions — Someone using a forklift must be able to see over the cargo so they know where they’re going or have someone directing their movement. Otherwise, they might collide with other machinery or stationary objects.
- Pedestrian accidents — Workers on foot can be struck by forklifts, particularly in congested or poorly marked work zones, or when the person running the forklift is not paying close enough attention.
To mitigate the risks associated with forklift use, construction companies must prioritize safety measures and adhere to strict training standards. All forklift operators should receive detailed training on how to handle the machine, secure loads and navigate construction sites safely. Routine maintenance can prevent accidents caused by equipment failure. Companies should also establish and enforce safety guidelines for forklift use, including speed limits, designated pedestrian areas and load inspection requirements.
If you or someone close to you was injured in an incident involving a forklift, or another type of construction accident, it’s time to speak with one of the accomplished New Jersey attorneys at Seigel Law in Ridgewood. We can review the facts and explain what type of financial recovery you should expect in a worker’s compensation claim and possibly a third-party personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. Our firm has collected $500 million for plaintiffs, and we are ready to put that experience to work for you. For a free consultation, please call 201-444-4000 or contact us online.