Warehouse Employee Struck by Distracted Forklift Operator

Case Overview

This case involves a worker in a large warehouse operated by an online retailer who was seriously injured in a forklift accident. At the time of the incident in question, the Plaintiff was assisting with an inventory check and was walking in an aisle between shelves alone. At some point, while the Plaintiff was standing alone in the middle of an aisle and focusing on a pallet of goods located on the shelf, another employee of the facility began to drive a forklift down the aisle. This employee was allegedly driving at a high rate of speed, and was not paying attention to the area in front of him, when he struck the Plaintiff with his forklift. The Plaintiff suffered a number of serious injuries as a result of the accident and can no longer work.

Questions to the Construction Safety expert and their responses

Do you have extensive experience as a warehouse director/manager?

I have served in supervisory and managerial roles in warehouses in the past, where I developed a passion for forklift safety.

Please explain your experience with forklift safety?

I presented at the most recent OSHA forklift regulatory changes and why they were necessary on behalf of OSHA. This consisted of a 10 year longitudinal study I spearheaded on forklift operations and training across the U.S. I am a member on the Safety Standard for Low Lift and High lift Trucks committee at ANSI.

Please explain your experience training and implementing the proper safety protocols in warehouse to prevent injury from occurring?

I have lead two long term case studies for OSHA on their forklift regulations resulting in regulatory changes improving the safety of their operators. My most recent accomplishment is being published in a textbook of a 30 year case study on forklift safety being used in over 180 universities globally.

About the expert

This expert is a nationally recognized expert and thought leader in matters of forklift operation, training, and standards of care with over 25+ years experience. He currently is the owner of a private forklift training, certification, and general knowledge consultancy. He sits on the Safety Standard for Low Lift and High lift Trucks committee at ANSI. He has lead two long term case studies for OSHA on their forklift regulations resulting in regulatory changes improving the safety of their operators. Prior to this, he was responsible for supervising forklift operators for a Fortune 500 company.

E-042750

Specialties:

Construction Safety