The Fork Lift Truck Association states that the biggest danger posed by forklifts in the workplace is when forklifts are used in places where people are walking around. It is very easy for a forklift driver to accidentally run over a pedestrian when they are concentrating on carrying a load or they can't see the pedestrian. Safety measures should be in place to keep forklifts and pedestrians completely apart.

The most common accidents involving forklifts are:

• Loads falling off a forklift and crushing someone
• A forklift overturning and crushing somebody
• A forklift pinning somebody between the truck and an object, floor or wall

The HSE (Health and Safety Executive) have found that the main causes of forklift accidents in the workplace are poor supervision of the use of these vehicles and a lack of training. Other causes of forklift accidents include obstacles, an uneven floor surface and inadequate work environment.

Measures that can be taken to protect drivers, other employees and members of the public from forklift accidents include:

• Caring for vehicles – Forklifts should be properly maintained and inspected regularly
• Using the right vehicle for the job – Forklifts come in all shapes and sizes and the correct type of vehicle should be chosen to match the tasks that it needs to carry out
• Ensuring that the workplace is adequate for a forklift
• Identifying potential risks and hazards
• Acting on risks and hazards that are identified
• Keeping forklifts away from pedestrians

If you are injured in a forklift accident and your employer has not carried out these steps then you have an excellent chance of winning personal injury compensation because your employer can be seen to be negligent and liable for your accident.

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