Forklift Accidents: How to Avoid Them

Forklift accidents are one of the main causes of work-related accidents in industrial settings. According to INAIL data, 245 particularly serious incidents were recorded between 2002 and 2020, out of a total of around 5,500 forklift accidents. These figures highlight the importance of taking preventive measures to reduce the risks associated with the use of these vehicles.

Forklift accident statistics

The statistics provided by INAIL show a worrying panorama of forklift accidents. The majority of injured people (over 63%) had more than three years of experience in the job, which shows that even the most experienced workers are not immune to the risks. The most common injuries include skull fractures (31%) and multiple body parts (25%). The most common type of injury is contusion, which accounts for 52% of cases, followed by fractures (35%).

These data indicate that the risk of forklift accidents is ever-present and often results in serious or permanent injury, requiring greater attention to safety measures.

Types of forklift accidents

Forklifts can cause various types of accidents, each of which can have serious consequences:

• Pedestrian collisions: Pedestrians working near forklifts are often at risk of being hit, especially if there are no adequate signs or if the maneuvering area is not well defined.
• Falling objects: Loading and unloading heavy or poorly positioned materials on forklifts can cause objects to fall, endangering the operator and nearby pedestrians.
• Tipping: A forklift can tip over due to overloading or improper maneuvering, which can lead to serious injury to the operator.
• Loading and unloading accidents: Improper maneuvers during loading and unloading can cause loss of control of the vehicle or materials, with dangerous consequences for the operator and those working nearby.

Causes of forklift accidents

Forklift accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Poor training: Operators may not be adequately trained to operate a forklift properly, especially in emergency situations.
• Excessive speed: Over the years, drivers can develop a certain familiarity with forklifts, which often leads them, even unconsciously, to behave less safely. Driving a vehicle at too high a speed shortens your reaction time, increasing the risk of being unable to avoid collisions or other sudden hazards.
• Lack of adequate signage: Lack of clear signage on routes and hazardous areas increases the risk of collisions and accidents.
• Inadequate vehicle maintenance: A malfunctioning or poorly maintained forklift can pose a serious safety risk.
• Distracted or careless behavior: Incorrect or negligent use of a forklift by an operator can lead to accidents, often with serious consequences. These can include overloading or improper vehicle alignment.

Preventive measures to prevent accidents

To avoid forklift accidents, it is essential to take a series of preventive measures, including:

• Continuous training: Operators must be adequately trained and informed about safety standards and the correct use of forklifts.
• Appropriate signage: The installation of visible and legible signs, both horizontal and vertical, is essential to demarcate maneuvering areas and warn pedestrians of the presence of moving vehicles.
• Regular maintenance: Forklifts must be inspected and maintained regularly to ensure their full efficiency and safety.
• Safe operating procedures: Operators must follow safe operating procedures, avoid unsafe maneuvers, and maintain constant attention when using the vehicle at all times.

Our solution

To increase safety and prevent accidents with forklifts, we have developed a series of cutting-edge technological solutions. Among them, the Safety Bar 20 stands out, an LED light designed to be installed directly on forklifts. This lamp emits a beam of blue or red light up to a distance of several meters, alerting pedestrians to the presence of the vehicle and its maneuvers.

In addition, we offer reflectors capable of defining paths within the company and signaling the passage of vehicles, which further increases safety on maneuvering areas.

In conclusion, forklift accidents represent a significant risk in the workplace environment, but they can be effectively prevented through a combination of appropriate training, visible signage and advanced technological solutions such as those offered by our company. With our illuminated signage solutions, we guarantee a higher level of safety and protect operators and pedestrians from the dangers of forklifts.