High-Lift Accident Injures Two Employees

Workplace safety is a crucial concern in industrial environments, especially when using high-lift machinery. These machines, such as forklifts, scissor lifts, and boom lifts, play a critical role in material handling and worker accessibility in warehouses, construction sites, and other industrial settings. However, improper use, equipment malfunctions, or lack of adequate training can result in devastating workplace accidents.

A high-lift accident can lead to severe injuries, costly medical treatments, lost wages, and even fatalities. Additionally, these incidents often have legal and financial implications for both employees and employers. Understanding the causes, potential injuries, safety measures, and legal responsibilities associated with high-lift workplace accidents is crucial in creating a safer work environment.

This guide explores the common causes of high-lift workplace accidents, the injuries associated with them, safety precautions to prevent incidents, employer responsibilities, and legal considerations. Whether you are an employer, worker, or legal professional, this in-depth article will provide essential insights into workplace safety and accident prevention.

 

Understanding High-Lift Accidents in the Workplace

What is a High-Lift, and How is it Used in Workplaces?

High-lifts are industrial machines designed to lift heavy materials or personnel to elevated work areas. These machines are commonly used in industries such as warehousing, construction, manufacturing, and retail distribution.

In warehouses and logistics, high-lifts move heavy pallets and stack goods on high shelves. In construction, they provide access to elevated structures. In manufacturing, they transport raw materials and finished products. Retail and distribution centers use them for stocking and retrieving products from high storage areas.

Types of High-Lifts

There are several types of high-lifts, each with specific applications:

1. Forklifts are used for lifting and transporting heavy loads.
2. Scissor lifts raise workers to elevated areas for maintenance or installation tasks.
3. Boom lifts provide extended reach for accessing difficult workspaces.
4. Pallet jacks assist in moving heavy loads at ground level.

While these machines improve efficiency, improper operation can pose significant hazards to workers and the surrounding environment.

 

Common Causes of High-Lift Accidents

1. Equipment Malfunction

High-lifts require regular maintenance to operate safely. Mechanical failures such as brake failures, hydraulic malfunctions, unresponsive steering, and defective lifting mechanisms are common causes of workplace accidents. If equipment is not routinely inspected and repaired, the risk of malfunction-related incidents increases significantly.

2. Operator Error

Untrained or careless employees handling high-lift equipment can cause severe accidents. Incorrect maneuvering, sudden or jerky movements, speeding in restricted areas, and failure to follow operational procedures can lead to collisions, tipping incidents, or falling loads. OSHA mandates proper training and certification for high-lift operators to reduce these risks.

3. Overloading

Every high-lift has a maximum weight capacity, and exceeding it can result in equipment tipping over, load instability, or mechanical strain leading to sudden failure. Workers must be trained to calculate load capacities and balance materials correctly.

4. Unsafe Workplace Conditions

Environmental factors in the workplace can contribute to high-lift accidents. Slippery or uneven surfaces, narrow or cluttered workspaces, poor lighting, and unauthorized personnel in lifting zones increase the chances of accidents. Employers should ensure that workplaces are well-lit, free from obstructions, and clearly marked with safety signs to prevent injuries.

5. Lack of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Proper safety gear, such as helmets, gloves, and safety harnesses, can prevent or reduce the severity of injuries in the event of an accident. Employers must enforce the use of PPE for workers operating or working near high-lift machinery.

 

Common Injuries from High-Lift Accidents

1. Fractures and Broken Bones

Falls, tipping incidents, or being struck by moving machinery can cause fractures and broken bones. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and prolonged recovery periods.

2. Head and Spinal Injuries

Workers who fall from high-lifts or suffer impact from falling objects may experience severe head trauma or spinal cord injuries, potentially leading to paralysis or permanent disability.

3. Crush Injuries

Workers caught between machinery and a fixed structure may suffer crushing injuries, which can lead to amputations or life-threatening internal damage.

4. Internal Bleeding and Organ Damage

Blunt force trauma from falling objects or equipment rollovers can cause serious internal injuries, which may not be immediately visible but require urgent medical attention.

5. Lacerations and Burns

Electrical malfunctions, contact with sharp equipment, or exposure to hazardous materials can cause deep lacerations and burns.

Workplace Injury Statistics Related to High-Lift Equipment

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), forklift accidents alone cause nearly 100 fatalities per year. More than 34,900 serious injuries occur due to high-lift-related incidents annually, and around 25 percent of workplace injuries involving forklifts result from tip-over accidents. These statistics highlight the critical need for workplace safety regulations and preventive measures.

 

Safety Measures to Prevent High-Lift Accidents

Comprehensive Training and Certification

Operators must complete OSHA-compliant training before using high-lift equipment. Regular refresher courses ensure continued competency and awareness of safety protocols.

Routine Equipment Inspections

Machines should be inspected before each shift. Key components such as brakes, steering mechanisms, and hydraulic systems must be checked to ensure they function correctly. Any malfunctions should be reported and addressed immediately.

Load Management and Stability Training

Workers should understand how to calculate load capacities, distribute weight evenly, and secure materials properly to prevent instability and tip-overs.

Maintaining a Safe Work Environment

Employers must keep work areas clear of obstacles, ensure proper lighting, and enforce designated pathways for high-lift operation. These measures reduce the risk of collisions and accidents.

Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Helmets, gloves, safety harnesses, and high-visibility vests should be mandatory for workers operating or working near high-lift machinery.

 

Employer Responsibilities and Legal Considerations

OSHA Regulations on High-Lift Safety

Employers are legally required to implement proper safety training programs, conduct frequent workplace hazard assessments, maintain high-lift machinery according to OSHA standards, and report workplace injuries while complying with safety audits. Failure to adhere to OSHA regulations can result in fines, lawsuits, and business penalties.

Employer Liability in Workplace Accidents

Employers can be held liable if safety protocols were not properly implemented, the workplace environment was hazardous, or negligence contributed to the accident. Injured workers may be entitled to workers’ compensation or legal claims.

 

Emergency Response and Post-Accident Procedures

1. Immediate Actions After a High-Lift Accident

If a high-lift accident occurs, the area should be secured to prevent further injuries. First aid should be administered for minor injuries, and emergency responders should be contacted for serious cases.

2. Accident Documentation and Reporting

Supervisors and OSHA must be notified, and all incidents should be documented. Evidence should be collected, including photos, witness statements, and reports of any mechanical issues.

3. Seeking Medical and Legal Assistance

Injured workers should file an accident report with their employer, seek medical attention immediately, and consult a workplace injury lawyer to discuss legal options.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About High-Lift Workplace Accidents

What should an employee do immediately after a high-lift accident?

After a high-lift accident, the first step is to ensure personal safety and seek immediate medical attention. The employee should notify their supervisor or employer about the incident as soon as possible. It is crucial to document the accident by taking photos, collecting witness statements, and writing a detailed report of what happened. If the accident resulted from unsafe working conditions or employer negligence, the injured worker should consult a workplace injury lawyer to explore potential legal claims.

Who is responsible for a high-lift accident in the workplace?

Responsibility for a high-lift accident depends on several factors. If an employer failed to provide proper training, maintain equipment, or enforce workplace safety regulations, they may be held liable. In cases where an operator acted negligently or failed to follow safety procedures, the worker could be partially responsible. If a machinery defect caused the accident, the equipment manufacturer might be held accountable. Workplace injury claims often require legal analysis to determine liability.

Can an injured worker file a lawsuit after a high-lift accident?

Yes, an injured worker can file a lawsuit if the accident was caused by employer negligence, a lack of proper training, or failure to maintain safe working conditions. In some cases, an employee may be eligible for workers’ compensation, which covers medical bills and lost wages without requiring proof of employer negligence. However, if a third party, such as a manufacturer of defective equipment, played a role in the accident, the injured worker might be able to file a personal injury lawsuit for additional compensation.

What are the most common injuries resulting from high-lift accidents?

High-lift accidents frequently result in serious injuries, including fractures, broken bones, head trauma, spinal injuries, and crush injuries. Some accidents cause internal bleeding, organ damage, or amputations, especially if a worker is pinned between machinery and a fixed structure. In less severe cases, injuries such as lacerations, burns, and bruises may occur. The severity of the injuries depends on factors such as the height of the lift, the weight of the load, and the impact force involved in the accident.

What are the employer’s legal responsibilities for high-lift safety?

Employers are required by OSHA regulations to ensure a safe work environment. They must provide proper safety training and certification for high-lift operators, conduct routine equipment inspections, and maintain workplace conditions that minimize the risk of accidents. Employers must also ensure that employees use necessary safety equipment, such as harnesses and helmets. If an employer fails to meet these legal responsibilities and an accident occurs, they may face fines, lawsuits, and liability claims from injured workers.

 

Contact Matzus Law, LLC Today

Preventing high-lift workplace accidents requires proactive safety measures, proper training, and employer accountability. Workers must be educated on how to handle high-lift equipment safely, while employers must ensure OSHA compliance to reduce workplace risks.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a high-lift workplace accident, do not wait. Contact Matzus Law, LLC today to protect your rights and explore legal compensation options.

Stay safe, stay informed, and work towards a safer workplace.

 

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney/client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.