Forklifts are used on virtually all construction sites and allow workers to move heavy loads from one spot to another with little physical effort. These machines are responsible for reducing the incidents of many neck and back injuries. However, defective forklifts have also contributed to a large number of construction accidents.

Many forklift accidents can be attributed to a lack of proper training, carelessness or negligence. However, a forklift is a large, complex machine that uses sophisticated principals of physics to transport loads, therefore, any defect in design or manufacturing can cause serious consequences the operator may not be prepared for or trained to handle.

Forklift Safety Design Features

For a forklift to be used safely and effectively it must include the following safety features.

• The forklift must have an overhead guard that prevents a load or an object placed on a higher rack from toppling over on the operator.
• The overhead guard must be wide enough to protect the operator and must not interfere with the operator's maneuverability or sight.
• Backrest extensions must be large enough to protect the operator from any load or portion of the load falling on him.
• All manufacturers are mandated to install operator restraint systems in new forklifts. Older forklifts that do not have operator restraint systems should be fitted with these.

Forklift manufacturers are also required to install new safety mechanisms on their machines as they are developed.