Leading Causes of Forklift Accidents and How to Prevent Them

According to statistics from the Department of Occupational Safety, Vietnam records hundreds of forklift-related accidents every year, causing heavy damage to people and property. Among them, many tragic cases have claimed the lives of workers.

This situation sounds an alarm about occupational safety in the field of forklift usage, requiring attention and drastic action from relevant parties. So, what are the causes of these unfortunate accidents and how can we prevent them effectively?

Causes of Forklift Accidents

Subjective Causes

Lack of experience and operating skills

Workers who have not been properly trained or have not mastered forklift operating techniques are one of the leading causes of accidents.

Non-compliance with safety regulations

Not wearing protective helmets, not wearing seat belts, speeding, overloading… all carry a high risk of accidents.

Use of stimulants, lack of concentration

Using alcohol, drugs, or working in a state of fatigue or distraction prevents the operator from controlling the forklift, easily leading to accidents.

Objective Causes

Lack of supporting equipment

The process of loading and unloading goods by forklifts lacks the necessary supporting equipment, leading to the risk of occupational insecurity, especially with heavy and bulky goods.

See more: Most popular goods handling support tools today

Damaged forklifts, lack of periodic maintenance

Forklifts that are not regularly maintained, or have worn and damaged parts that are not replaced in time, will reduce the safe operating capacity of the vehicle.

Unsafe working environment

Cramped warehouses, rough paths, lack of light, no warning signs… are objective factors that pose a risk of accidents.

Overloading the permitted capacity

Lifting goods beyond the permitted load makes the forklift lose balance and easily tip over.

Consequences of Forklift Accidents

Human damage:

• In serious cases, forklift accidents can lead to death for the operator or those working nearby.
• Injuries such as broken bones, traumatic brain injury, internal organ damage… are common in forklift accidents.

Property damage:

• Damaged forklifts and collapsed goods cause economic losses for businesses.
• Forklift accidents disrupt work, affecting the progress of production and business.

Measures to Prevent Forklift Accidents

For Workers

• Be properly trained and have a forklift operation certificate.
• Workers need to be trained in theory and practice of forklift operation; only those with a certificate are allowed to operate.

• Strictly comply with occupational safety regulations.
• Always wear a protective helmet, fasten seat belt, check the forklift before operation, do not operate the forklift when using stimulants…
• Inspect the forklift before operation.
• Check components such as brakes, lights, horn, wheels… to ensure the vehicle is in good working order.

For Managers

• Organize regular training: Organize safety and forklift operation training courses for workers.
• Perform periodic inspection and maintenance: Carry out periodic checks and maintenance of forklifts to detect and promptly fix damage.
• Build a safe working environment: Ensure clear warehouses, flat paths, sufficient light, and adequate warning signs.

For Authorities

• Strengthen inspection and supervision: Regularly inspect and supervise the compliance with occupational safety regulations at enterprises.
• Strictly handle violations: Impose strict penalties on cases violating safety regulations to deter and prevent accidents.

Solutions to Limit Forklift Accidents with Supporting Equipment

Forklift ramps and hydraulic dock levelers are two powerful supporting solutions that help businesses improve operational efficiency and, in particular, significantly reduce the risk of forklift accidents:

Forklift Ramps

Forklift ramps are devices that create a solid “bridge,” helping forklifts move easily up and down areas of different heights, such as container trucks, warehouse floors…

Forklift ramps help eliminate the risk of tipping over when moving up and down uneven surfaces, ensuring safety for operators and goods.

Thanks to the ramp, the loading and unloading process takes place faster and more conveniently, saving time and effort.

Hydraulic Dock Levelers

Hydraulic dock levelers are devices that help adjust the height of the working floor, creating uniformity between the warehouse floor and the truck bed, allowing forklifts to easily move inside to load and unload goods.

Hydraulic dock levelers help eliminate the height gap between the warehouse floor and the truck bed, allowing forklifts to move safely without wheel slip.

Dock levelers can adjust their height to suit many different types of vehicles and goods, increasing operational flexibility.

Hydraulic dock levelers help minimize the need for manual loading labor, thereby reducing accident risks caused by traditional operation methods.

See more:

Guide to choosing high-quality hydraulic dock levelers today

Conclusion

Forklift accidents are an alarming issue in the field of occupational safety. To prevent accidents, the cooperation of workers, managers, and authorities is required.