Forklift related common incidents.

Here are some of the most common types of industrial forklift accidents based on frequency:

1. Tip-Over Accidents: Forklift tip-over incidents are among the most common and potentially deadly accidents. These occur when the forklift becomes unbalanced due to factors like uneven terrain, excessive speed while turning, or carrying loads beyond the capacity of the forklift. Tip-overs can result in serious injuries or fatalities to the operator and nearby workers.
2. Struck-By Accidents: Struck-by accidents involve a forklift colliding with a person, another vehicle, equipment, or structures in the workplace. These accidents can occur due to factors such as poor visibility, distracted driving, inadequate signaling, or failure to yield the right of way. Struck-by accidents can cause severe injuries or fatalities to pedestrians and workers in the vicinity.
3. Load Handling Accidents: Accidents related to load handling occur when the load being carried by the forklift shifts, falls, or becomes unstable. These accidents can happen due to improper loading techniques, exceeding the load capacity, or using damaged or defective pallets. Load handling accidents can result in injuries to the operator, nearby workers, and damage to products or property.
4. Falling From Heights: Forklift operators or workers may suffer injuries from falling off the forklift platform or from elevated positions such as loading docks or raised platforms. Falls from heights can occur due to operator error, unstable ground conditions, or inadequate safety measures such as guardrails or harnesses.
5. Crushing Accidents: Crushing accidents involve a person being trapped or crushed between the forklift and another object, such as a wall, rack, or vehicle. These accidents can occur during tight maneuvering, reversing, or improper use of the forklift's controls. Crushing accidents can lead to serious injuries or fatalities due to the significant force involved.
6. Overturning While Loading/Unloading: Forklift overturning accidents can occur during loading or unloading operations when the forklift's center of gravity shifts, causing it to overturn. These accidents can be caused by overloading, improper weight distribution, or uneven ground surfaces. Overturning accidents pose a risk to the operator and nearby workers.
7. Entrapment Accidents: Entrapment accidents involve a person becoming trapped between the forklift and another object or being caught in moving parts of the forklift, such as the mast or forks. These accidents can occur during maintenance, repair, or when reaching into restricted areas. Entrapment accidents can result in serious injuries or fatalities if proper safety procedures are not followed.

Preventing industrial forklift accidents requires comprehensive training for operators, implementation of safety protocols, regular equipment maintenance, and ongoing hazard identification and mitigation efforts in the workplace.