Arch Insurance highlights forklift safety

The latest Technical Talk from Arch Insurance turns the spotlight on accidents at work involving forklifts.

Technical Talks is a series of risk management articles, produced by the company’s in-house team of portfolio underwriting, risk managers and surveyors, offering support and guidance in relation to everyday business solutions.

Its latest talk revealed that each year in the UK forklifts are involved in 1,300 serious injuries (25% of all transport injuries), while five workers are hospitalised each day and forklifts are responsible for one in five workplace fatalities.

Transportation and storage is an especially high-risk sector, accounting for one in 10 workplace fatalities. Workers in this industry are three times more likely to be killed than in other sectors.

Key accident causes include operator error and lack of training, unrealistic work targets causing rushing, poor communication of safety policies, unsuitable premises and tight spaces, and vehicles tipping over.

Over half of those injured are pedestrians or operators who have stepped out of the vehicle.

Critical control measures include regular operator training, daily inspections, risk assessments, installing physical barriers, and reminding operators of their responsibilities.

The report said, “Forklift accidents have serious consequences, but most are avoidable with proper precautions. Your safety and that of your co-workers depends on everyone doing their part. If you see unsafe practices, report it. Together we can keep our workplace accident-free.”