[suffusion-widgets id=’4′]
On February 3, 2016, a fatal forklift accident tragically killed a 52 year old man in Bensalem, PA. According to reports, a forklift fell on the man near a loading dock at Combined Express Inc., which provides truckload transportation, over the road and intermodal LTL services throughout the United States.
Though CPR was performed on the man after the forklift accident, he was later pronounced dead at a hospital in Philadelphia. Reports did not indicate whether he was operating the forklift at the time of the accident. OSHA is investigating the accident. An OSHA representative said that the investigation can take as long as six months.
Forklift Accident Case Result Obtained by Our PA Work Injury Lawyers: $2.75 million recovery for a dock worker run over by a forklift at a cruise ship terminal
Causes of Forklift Accidents
Though the accident is under investigation, below are some causes of forklift accidents, including:
- lack of training or improper training of workers who operate the forklifts,
- poor or improper maintenance of forklifts,
- speeding,
- improper use of forklifts,
- lack of safety systems, and
- forklift defects or product defects.
Of the above causes, improper training of the forklift operators is one of the most common causes of forklift accidents. OSHA regulations require operators to undergo specific types of training. In addition, operators are required to have refresher training. Unfortunately, many employers fail to provide training to their forklift operators.
Related to improper or lack of training of forklift operators is the improper use of forklifts. Many times, if the operators are not trained about the proper use of forklifts, they may use forklifts for other purposes which increases the risk of forklift accidents and injuries. For instance, workers may use the forklift as a makeshift scaffold for workers to use when working above ground. Operators may also transport other workers on the forklift load. This is of course dangerous in that the worker could fall off the load causing the load to fall on him or get run over by the forklift.
Another common cause of a forklift accident is lack of safety systems. For instance, worker/forklift collisions are common at worksites where there are a lot of foot traffic and forklift traffic. It is necessary to mark forklift zones. To avoid accidents, barricades or clearly marked lanes can be created to designate traffic lanes. Standing signs or even tape are efficient options to mark forklift zones.
Injured in a PA Forklift Accident? You Have Legal Rights
Workers who are injured in a forklift accident in Pennsylvania have legal rights. Not only do they have a right to workers’ compensation benefits, they may also have a third party claim against other liable parties.
The lawyers at LBK have represented many injured workers in PA and NJ. Our work accident lawyers work tirelessly to help their clients obtain the best recovery possible. Call today to schedule a FREE consultation. (866) 641-0806
Rated by Super Lawyers Magazine: “Top Rated Personal Injury – Plaintiff Attorney in Philadelphia, PA”
Jeffrey Laffey has been selected to the 2016 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list. Mr. Laffey has been honored with the Super Lawyers designation since 2013. Each year no more than 5% of the nominated lawyers in the state are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive this honor. Prior to 2013, Mr. Laffey was selected to the Pennsylvania Rising Stars list from 2005-2008 and from 2010-2012.
DISCLAIMER: This website does not create any attorney-client relationship or provide legal advice. It is crucial to speak to a qualified lawyer prior to making any decision about your case. Read full disclaimer at the bottom of this page.
*Source: www.patch.com (Forklift Accident Kills Man In Bensalem: Report)
