Frequently asked questions about forklift truck accident claims
Can I make a forklift accident claim?
Forklift trucks and reach trucks have the potential to be very dangerous.
In fact, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) states that forklift trucks are involved in about a quarter of all workplace transport accidents.
All employers have a duty of care to protect their employees from being injured and that includes those who work on or around forklifts.
Common causes of forklift accidents include:
- Insufficient training – employees need to be given full health and safety training before driving a forklift truck. Health and safety training should be an ongoing process, so employers should also provide regular training refreshers for forklift truck drivers.
- Defective machinery – this usually occurs when vehicles have not been properly maintained.
- Unsuitable traffic routes – employers need to ensure routes are clear of hazards and that the ground is safe and stable to drive on.
- Injuries to fellow employees by forklift drivers.
These types of accidents can be avoided by employers taking the proper steps to protect their workers. When an employer fails to do so, they are liable for any accident that occurs as a result.
If you have been involved in a forklift accident that resulted from employer negligence, you can make a forklift truck accident compensation claim.
Are there time limits for making a forklift accident claim?
As with most personal injury claims, the time limit for making a forklift accident claim is three years from the date of the accident, or the date you first become aware of your injury.
