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• Kansas City Dock Workers Should Know their Rights after a Workplace Accident

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Forklift Accidents Cause Injuries

Statistically, someone is killed every three days in a forklift accident, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Additionally, nearly 100,000 people are injured in forklift related incidents. The threat to Kansas City workers is substantial. Forklifts, though a useful tool in many industries, can be dangerous to employees who work around them.

NIOSH reported in June 2001 that 100 pedestrians alone are killed by forklifts each year. How can this be? Some would think it reasonable to assume that forklift operators come highly skilled in safety and accident prevention; however, it is sometimes a lack of adequate forklift training that contributes to forklift mishaps.

Workplace factors may also add to the incidence of forklift accidents. Workers who experience stress are likely to make mistakes, as are those who work faster rather than safer in the name of production. Poor forklift maintenance and age of the machine may cause the forklift's safety features to fail at critical junctures. Additionally, when the appropriate tools and equipment are missing, operators may feel forced to improvise.

Other conditions in the workplace contribute as well. Narrow aisles, high traffic areas, poor lighting, and excessive noise can make conditions difficult for a forklift operator to work in. Workplace environments that are not properly maintained and kept free of debris and clutter are bound to cause accidents. Just as poorly maintained equipment can be blamed for problems, so can neglected loading and unloading areas. Aisles and shelves that are not properly organized may render a forklift operator unable to safely deposit his load. Loads that exceed recommended weights, defective pallets, and improper pallet stacking also contribute to an unsafe work environment.

Operators pose a threat to other workers and the public at large when they fail to operate equipment in the proper fashion. Mistakes in reverse driving, loading and unloading, or improperly turning the forklift put everyone at risk. Workers who fail to post hazard warnings and communicate with those around him set the stage for tragedy. It goes without saying that forklift operators who engage in horseplay and irresponsible driving practices endanger themselves and those around them.

Maintenance of the forklift truck is a necessity. Leaks in the hydraulic system must be detected and serviced regularly. The clutch, transmission, and shift linkage require routine servicing to ensure proper function. Brakes and steering systems should be checked and serviced regularly as well. Shortcuts to maintenance and repair must not be tolerated. Failure to catch a problem with any of these systems may result in equipment malfunction.

If you or someone you love were injured or killed by a forklift, the Kansas City personal injury lawyers at Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys offer a no cost, no obligation consultation to discuss your concerns. Call them today at 888-348-2616. For more information, get your free copy of the resource guide 10 Essential Steps You Must Take To Protect Your Injury Claim.

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• Posted on 5/9/2012Missouri Dock Worker Killed in Forklift Accident

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