Forklifts are commonly used in warehouses, factories, and other industrial settings to lift, move, and stack materials. While forklifts are essential for material handling, they can also be dangerous. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), forklift accidents are a leading cause of workplace injuries and fatalities. In this article, we will explore how many forklift accidents occurred in 2020.
Forklift Accident Statistics
According to OSHA, there were a total of 79 fatal forklift accidents in 2020. This is a slight decrease from the previous year when there were 81 fatal forklift accidents. However, non-fatal accidents increased by 9% from 2019 to 2020, with a total of 39,100 reported incidents. These non-fatal accidents ranged from minor injuries to serious injuries that required hospitalization.
Causes of Forklift Accidents
Forklift accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, including operator error, insufficient training, inadequate maintenance, and poor workplace design. Some common causes of forklift accidents include:
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Overloading or improperly loading the forklift
- Driving with an elevated load
- Driving on uneven surfaces
- Collisions with other vehicles or stationary objects
- Lack of visibility or blind spots
- Ignoring warning signs or signals
Preventing Forklift Accidents
While forklift accidents can be devastating, they are also largely preventable. Employers can take steps to reduce the risk of forklift accidents by:
- Providing comprehensive training to forklift operators
- Maintaining forklifts in good working condition
- Developing and enforcing safe work practices and procedures
- Identifying and addressing workplace hazards
- Using warning signs and signals to alert workers to potential dangers
- Encouraging workers to report safety concerns and near misses
Conclusion
Forklift accidents are a significant safety issue in the workplace, and it is essential for employers to take steps to prevent them. While the number of fatal forklift accidents decreased slightly in 2020, non-fatal accidents increased, indicating that there is still work to be done to improve forklift safety. By providing comprehensive training, maintaining equipment, and identifying hazards, employers can create a safer workplace for everyone.
