Forklift Delivery Drivers Should Avoid Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Claims With These Steps

It happens more than you might think.  A delivery driver for a big box store is making a big delivery to a residence that requires the use of a forklift.  When the forklift loses its grip on the delivery and tips over injuring or killing the driver of the forklift.  It’s a similar situation to the one that happened in Washington State just a few years ago and it can happen to any delivery driver anywhere.  

This type of accident happening on the job may be considered Connecticut workers’ compensation and should be considered as such.  If you’re a delivery driver and make runs out to residential homes that require you to use a forklift you should be following some basic steps to insure that this type of accident doesn’t happen to you.

1. Park in a safe place for both the deliver truck and the forklift to operate

2. Follow all guidance outlined in training on the heavy machinery by the manufacturer of the forklift

3. If a seatbelt is provided in the forklift, use it.  If you are securely fastened into the forklift while operating it the likelihood of a severe injury will be significantly reduced

4. Do not operate the forklift if you have not been properly trained on the use of the machinery.  It is heavy and dangerous and without proper training you could injure yourself or someone else.

5. Review all safety procedures with your employer on a bi-annual basis to make sure you are up to speed on the most recent procedures that have been put in place to keep you safe

We ask a lot of our delivery drivers who make multiple deliveries everyday.  Each location presents it’s own challenges and requires a different set of standards to make the delivery safely and without incident.  Regardless of the terrain presented to the delivery driver she/he should make sure that they are paying close attention to the outlined safety protocols for the forklift and the delivery vehicle.  If proper safety protocols are not followed it could lead to an injury and a Connecticut workers’ compensation claim.  

If you or a loved one were injured on the job as the result of a forklift accident you may need an experienced, board certified, workers’ compensation attorney to help guide you through the process of filing a claim.  If you do, contact our office and one of our attorneys will review your case.