Author: Sackstein Sackstein & Lee, LLP
Unsafe Conditions Can Lead to Serious Construction Job Vehicle Accidents
Construction job motor vehicle accidents often occur due to OSHA violations. Many different types of vehicles are used in construction site work including cranes, forklifts, platform lift trucks, motorized hand trucks, bulldozers, delivery trucks, excavators, front loaders, dump trucks, backhoes, graders, cement mixers and trenchers.
OSHA listed powered industrial truck standards violations as one of the top 10 most violated standards at construction sites in the year 2017.
What is considered a powered industrial truck?
Other names for powered industrial trucks are lift trucks or forklifts. Their main purpose is to move materials, by raising, lowering or removing large objects. They can also be used to move smaller objects on pallets or in crates, containers or boxes. Trucks or earth-moving equipment that are modified by adding forks are not considered powered industrial trucks, even though they may be used to move materials.
What dangers are related to driving powered industrial trucks?
Dangers depend on the type of forklift. A high-lift rider truck that lifts loads to greater heights than a hand truck is more prone to falling load accidents. Types of accidents that often occur may involve workers who suffer injury when lifts fall between loading docks or due to unsecured trailers. Injuries also occur when lift trucks strike workers or when workers fall while working on elevated pallets and tines.
If you are a construction worker and notice that working conditions are dangerous, you have the right to file a complaint with OSHA and request a workplace inspection. All too often, serious or fatal accidents happen before violations are dealt with to make a safer work environment.
When to Seek Legal Help
If you suffer serious injury in a construction job vehicle accident, discuss your injury with an experienced attorney and get a case evaluation. At Sackstein Sackstein & Lee, LLP, we offer a free initial consultation to discuss your injury and the prospects of taking legal action.