Surprise Forklift Injury Lawyer

Surprise Forklift Injury Attorney

Surprise is strategically located in the Phoenix metro area near Interstate 10 and Loop 303. The city is home to a variety of specialized warehouses with additional construction pending or in progress. The manufacturing sector relies heavily on forklift operators to support their business. If you have been injured on the job, a Surprise forklift injury lawyer can help you navigate your options.

Why Hire a Surprise Forklift Injury Lawyer?

Forklift injury laws can be difficult to navigate without the help of an experienced lawyer. The team at Arizona Injury Law Group can educate you about your options and provide legal counsel during each step of the process. Our team has close to 70 years of combined experience providing services to injured workers.

An experienced forklift injury lawyer can level the playing field and help ensure your rights are protected. A serious accident can result in significant financial impact, and a skilled attorney can help ensure your financial recovery. Let our team focus on your claim while you focus on getting better.

Most Common Types of Forklift Accidents

According to data from OSHA, one in every six deaths that occur in the workplace involves a forklift. OSHA also estimates that 70% of accidents involving a forklift could be prevented if standard safety measures were followed. These are the most reported types of forklift accidents:

• Forklift tip-overs or roll over. Forklifts are prone to tipping or rolling over, and uneven loads, speeding, and abrupt movements can further increase the risk. Tip-overs or rollovers make up 24% of accidents and account for 42% of all reported injuries.
• Pedestrian collision. In 36% of reported cases, a pedestrian was crushed between the forklift and a stationary object. The forklift was reported to run over or hit the pedestrian in 11% of cases. In 8% of reported cases, the forklift fell on or struck the pedestrian.
• Falling loads. Items falling from a forklift can pose a safety concern for the operator and pedestrians. Safety measures should be followed, such as centering loads, utilizing a backrest to prevent items from falling into the operator compartment, and not using equipment that has damaged or bent forks.
• People falling from forks. It is not safe or recommended for people to use the forks for transportation, but this does happen. Falling from the forks can lead to serious injury.
• Emissions poisoning. Toxic fumes can build up and lead to illness, especially if the forklift has a combustion engine and is being operated in an enclosed space. Regular maintenance should be conducted, and carbon monoxide detectors should be in use.

If you suffer a forklift injury on the job, you should immediately seek medical attention. Dignity Health operates a fully equipped 24-hour emergency department located at 14267 West Bell Rd., Surprise, AZ 85374.

You may also want to hire a forklift injury lawyer as early as possible following a work-related injury. An experienced lawyer can help explain the workers’ compensation process and advocate for your rights and fair compensation.

Forklift Operator Training

Many accidents can be prevented with proper training. OSHA requires initial and periodic refresher training. Initial training must include formal instruction that covers theory, capacity, stability, site-specific hazards, pre-operating inspections, operating procedures, pedestrian traffic in areas where the vehicle will be operated, operating in narrow aisles and restricted places, maintenance requirements, emergency situations, and hands-on practice. Operators must pass a formal written and practical skills evaluation.

Refresher training is required in the following situations:

• Following an accident or near accident
• The operator is observed operating the forklift in an unsafe manner
• The operator is assigned to a different type of forklift
• The operator receives an evaluation of poor operation
• Workplace changes occur that could impact safety

Operators are required to participate in an evaluation at least every three years to earn re-certification. To be OSHA-compliant, employers must keep a record of the re-certification training, including the operator’s name, training and evaluation dates, and the name of the individual conducting the training and evaluation.

FAQs About Surprise, AZ Forklift Injury Laws

Who Has the Right of Way in Most Warehouses?

It is typical for pedestrians to have the right of way over forklifts in most warehouses. Forklift operators should be alert and prepared to slow down and stop for individuals on foot. Operators should yield to pedestrians, stop the forklift if an individual crosses their path, and stay stopped until the individual has safely crossed. This practice is supported by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) and its recommendations.

What Are the OSHA Violations for Forklifts?

OSHA has established violations for forklifts, including that no one under the age of 18 may operate a forklift and no one over 18 can operate without proper training and certification. Operators should also be provided with refresher training to ensure skills remain current. All training should be documented by the employer. Violations also cover improper maintenance, lack of safety equipment, and unsafe operating. OSHA violations can result in stiff penalties of $16,550 per violation.

What Types of Incidents Must be Reported?

Certain types of serious incidents require reporting. If a work-related death occurs, it must be reported to OSHA and the Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health (ADOSH) within eight hours of the incident. Other serious incidents, such as the loss of an eye, an amputation, or any injury that requires inpatient hospitalization, must be reported within 24 hours.

What Happens if You Don’t Report an Accident?

If you do not report an accident, you may forfeit your right to file a workers’ compensation claim and receive benefits. Ideally, you should report the accident as soon as possible to your employer. Legally, you will have one year from the date of the injury or from the date you became aware of the injury to file a claim. A workers’ compensation claim can cover the cost of medical bills, lost wages, and prescriptions.

Contact a Surprise Forklift Injury Lawyer Today

The team at Arizona Injury Law Group has extensive experience navigating the complexities of workers’ compensation and forklift injury claims. We can provide you with the information you need and ensure your benefits are calculated correctly. Contact our office to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help.