A number of vehicles and machines are used to move bulky objects, load semi trailers, lift pallets and shift materials from one place to another on construction sites. They are referred to as powered industrial trucks or PITs. Almost all major industries use PITs to some extent. Some industries may use them specifically while others may use them to move their products from the factory to consumers. They may use PITs like forklifts, motorized hand trucks and pallet trucks. In this post, our St. Louis work related injury attorney will discuss PIT accidents and what measures can be taken to avoid them.
Safety Requirements
OSHA has classified these moving or lifting trucks into 11 categories. It has clearly specified a safety protocol which should to be followed while using these vehicles at any time. The safety standards laid down for these vehicles includes the use of tags and detailed ID plates to identify them.
Specific rules and regulations have been clearly stated. They specify the type of truck and the environment in which it can be used or should not be used, and which kind of truck is permitted or forbidden to handle certain materials.
How Employees Often Get Injured
The operators of powered industrial trucks and forklifts work under hazardous conditions. Their occupation is extremely dangerous and accidents are very common. Even if they are trained for the job and the work is done in accordance with the safety guidelines, there are chances of getting injured at work.
No wonder, thousands of workers get injured seriously every year. OSHA states that every year nearly 85 people die in forklift accidents. Approximately, 35,000 people sustain severe injuries in PIT and forklift accidents per year.
The powered industrial trucks pose a danger to their operators and to other employees as well. Some common reasons for these injuries are:
- The supervisor may ask the workers to lift or move an unsafe object.
- The workers may use a machine which is not designed for the particular job.
- The employees may have to handle dangerous materials.
- The workers may make a mistake.
- The objects being lifted or moved may fall.
- A worker may be crushed or pinned between an item and the forklift.
- There is a risk of being run over or struck by the powered industrial truck.
- The PIT may crash, tip over or go over a ledge.
Remedy for the Situation
According to OSHA, nearly a quarter of the PIT injuries can be avoided if the person who is operating the machine or vehicle is trained properly.
Powered industrial trucks and forklifts are widely used. Millions of them are being operated all around the world. So great care has to be taken to avoid accidents which can cause severe injuries and even death. In fact, the safety requirements laid down for such vehicles must be followed to the letter. Besides giving appropriate training to operators, only the machines which are suitably equipped for the specific task should be used.
If you are injured on the job, you are generally entitled to workers compensation. To ensure that your legal rights are protected right from the start of your claim, it is a good idea to speak with an experienced workers compensation attorney. Call the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann at (314) 361-4300 for a free case evaluation.
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