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September 03, 2024
Construction Worker Killed in Forklift Accident in Georgia
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36-year-old Trevor Wilkie, an employee of IMI Construction in Watkinsville, died from being crushed by a forklift on May 17 at the University of Georgia campus, UGA police reports.
According to police officials, Wilkie was working on a steam line project on campus when a forklift hit him, causing massive injuries to his body.
The construction accident happened at the Adult Education Center at 48 Baxter Street before 10 a.m. Athens-Clarke County Fire and Rescue arrived approximately three minutes after the initial call.
The university police, National Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and the firefighters responded to treat the construction worker, with the last assisting in transporting him to the hospital, specifically to Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center, where he died.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was informed regarding the incident.
Large forklift a factor in workers’ death
Athens-Clarke County Coroner Sonny Wilson was present at the scene, identifying the victim’s identity and the type of forklift associated with the construction accident.
As per Wilson, a lull forklift hit Wilkie, and this type is larger than most common forklifts seen in warehouses. It features more prominent tires and is typically used to transport heavy materials on outdoor worksites and rough terrain.
The equipment incorporates a unique sliding chassis frame that allows workers to extend and retract an additional seven feet without repositioning the equipment. However, the demand for this kind of forklift weakened over time because new, more environmentally friendly, cost-effective types emerged.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was informed regarding the incident.
How training averts construction accident involving forklifts
However, no matter which type of forklift is used on a worksite, lift operators must undergo training to ensure they comply with OSHA standards during operation. With this, companies can reduce the risk of construction accidents involving forklifts from happening in the workplace.
OSHA directives require all workers to be trained and certified before driving a forklift. According to their estimates, proper training could have prevented around 77% of forklift accidents—a significant number that underscores the critical importance of adherence to safety protocols.
OSHA-required training for forklift operators includes formal instruction (through books, lectures, videos, etc.), practical training (hands-on, live demonstrations under the trainer’s direct supervision), and evaluation of the operator’s performance in the workplace.
About forklift accident injuries in the workplace
Accidents happen, especially in industries that use heavy machinery or equipment like forklifts. According to OSHA, forklift accidents make up 25% of construction accidents, and this kind of workplace tragedy results in 34,900 serious injuries annually.
Another essential factor to note is that injuries involving forklifts tend to be more severe than those from other workplace incidents, with a median of 13 days off work compared to eight days for all other instances. Some of the most common types of forklift accidents that may result in injuries and deaths include:
- Forklift rollovers
- Lack of operator training
- Personnel falling from forks
- Blocked sight
- Mechanical training
As in Wilkie’s case, being struck or crushed by a forklift is also one of the prevalent causes of forklift injuries and deaths for pedestrians. If the operator is inattentive, pedestrians risk getting trapped between the truck and a stationary object.
Other causes of crushing accidents may include inattentive backing and loose materials falling off the forks. The bottom line is that operators must check their surroundings before setting the forklift in motion. Otherwise, they will become high-risk forklift drivers in the workplace.
Workers’ compensation lawyer for forklift accident injuries and deaths
Suppose you or a family member ever get involved in a forklift accident or any kind of workplace or personal injury accident. In that case, you must report the incident immediately to a superior in the workplace. Promptly seek medical care, initiate a workers’ compensation claim, and pursue counsel from a workers’ compensation lawyer.
Workers’ compensation typically addresses most job-related incidents, wherein the injured party’s employer’s insurance covers medical expenses and lost wages.
But sometimes, insurers may reject claims, contending that the victim’s injury is not work-related, questioning why the injured employee delayed seeking medical attention (if applicable) or citing errors or lapses in claim processing. A forklift accident lawyer can help you affirm your rights to your claims.
Hiring a forklift accident lawyer is advisable to avoid discrepancies and ensure everything is on track for your settlement.
With Pond Lehocky Giordano, you’ll have access to our team with over 250 years of combined courtroom experience, making us a great partner for your recovery. Our dedicated forklift accident lawyers are here to help you. Reach out to us to learn more.
