person injured on the floor in front of a forklift

Forklift injuries are serious business.

Every employer, warehouse manager, and forklift operator must understand the potential consequences of these workplace accidents.

A study conducted by Worksafe found over 55,000 reported incidents in the United States between 2006-2016. The results of this study show not only how damaging these accidents can be to workers but also how costly they are for employers who fail to provide adequate safety measures in their work environment.

Types of Forklift Injuries

This is a formidable list to read, but it shows how forklift injuries can be as simple as a bruise to as severe as amputation or death.

  • Broken or crushed bones
  • Bruises or contusions
  • Sprains and strains
  • Cuts and lacerations
  • Amputations
  • Brain damage or mental imparement
  • Blindness
  • Death

All of these types of injuries can lead to long-term disability, making it difficult for workers to return to their previous job and requiring the workplace to cover workman’s comp support, disability payments, or even litigation.

Cost of Forklift Injuries

An employee injured on the job is costly. In addition to the health and welfare of the injured employee, the company must consider the long list of expenses that can go along with an on-the-job injury.

  • Employee’s medical expenses
  • Loss of work time / production
  • Equipment repairs or replacement
  • OSHA fines
  • Potential for a ciminal or civil lawsuit

Even the most minor forklift injury can lead to substantial costs for employers, so it is important to take all necessary precautions. Some of these precautions, like the HIT-NOT or smart camera system, are investments on the front-end but provide employee protection and manageable costs in the long run.

Prevent Forklift Injuries

Forklift injuries put workers in danger and cause significant financial strain for any business that does not protect its employees and equipment.

When it comes to investing in forklift safety, let’s chat about the safety systems and support that SynTech can provide. Give us a call at 256-571-5024.