Forklift Trucks - Common Factors in Forklift Accidents. What factors contribute to forklift trucks accidents? What behavioural and operational factors can contribute to forklift trucks accidents? How can workplace design contribute to forklift trucks accidents? What characteristics of the load create a hazard? What mechanical conditions or design features increase the risk for forklift accidents? Many work-related factors can cause accidents. Grouping them into specific categories may help to analyze accidents and, eventually, to prevent them. What factors of work organization can contribute to forklift trucks accidents? Lack of training or improper training of workers who have to operate forklift trucks. Production factors such as speed or stress. Lack of proper tools, attachments and accessories. Improper assignment of forklifts and operators. Poor maintenance of forklifts. Age of forklifts. What behavioural and operational factors can contribute to forklift trucks accidents? Improper backing up techniques. Improper turning. Improper warnings to others about a forklift in use nearby. Poor communication during shared tasks, or in shared spaces. Riding or giving rides on forklift or load. Parking the forklift improperly. Improper blocking of wheels on semi-trailers or railway cars. Horseplay; stunt driving; jerky, erratic driving. Inadequate servicing of the forklift.. How can workplace design contribute to forklift trucks accidents? Narrow aisles. Crowded, cluttered aisles. Obstructions at intersections and doors. Volume of traffic in work area. Walking and working in the general area of forklift operations. Other workplace conditions such as noise, odors, toxic gases, dust, or poor lighting. Many ramps with different surfaces. Condition of loading dock.. What characteristics of the load create a hazard? Poorly stacked or piled on the pallet. Pallets in poor repair. Load too heavy. Load unstable or blocking vision.. What mechanical conditions or design features increase the risk for forklift accidents? Malfunction of brakes. Malfunction of steering. Malfunction of clutch, shift linkage, or transmission. Malfunction of mast assembly. Leaks in hydraulic systems or transmission. Safety devices lacking, inadequate, or malfunctioning. Emissions from forklifts. "Blind spots" or obstructions blocking driver's view. Poor layout of controls and displays. BE SURE TO VISIT THE HOME PAGE FOR INFORMATION ON LIFT TRUCKS REPAIR, SERVICE, TROUBLESHOOTING, AND EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT FORKLIFTS AND THEIR USE. GO TO HOME PAGE.