Employers in Illinois warehouses and fulfillment centers are responsible for the health and safety of employees. Some hazards are common to such facilities, and all workers must receive the necessary safety training. Forklifts are some of the most hazardous pieces of equipment that pose work injury risks to all employees.
Not only the operators of forklifts are at risk but also workers who move about in the same area. Lift trucks pose two types of hazards, one of which is driving into obstructions, which could include other workers. The second danger involves handling errors that are typically caused by carting unbalanced loads, overloading the fork and other mistakes that could lead to the heavy machine to tip over.
To avoid accidents, only correctly trained employees must be allowed to operate forklifts. Materials handling training is also essential to teach forklift operators about safe loading techniques. However, pedestrian workers in a warehouse must also receive training about safety in areas where forklifts are being operated. Typical accidents involve workers being crushed against objects or loads falling on workers who walk below raised loads on a forklift.
Other work injury hazards include slip-and-trip hazards caused by negligent housekeeping. On-the-job accidents can cause debilitating injuries and long-term medical treatment. Mounting medical bills and lost wages can become overwhelming, but the benefits that are available through the Illinois workers’ compensation program will cover those expenses. An experienced attorney can provide the necessary support and guidance to obtain available benefits. If permanent disabilities are caused, additional benefits might be awarded that could include occupational rehabilitation.
