In the bustling landscape of modern workplaces, vehicles are important for efficiency and productivity. From forklifts in warehouses to company cars in corporate settings, these wheeled workhorses streamline operations.
As a worker, vehicles in the workplace can pose a significant risk of causing injuries. Understanding these hazards is important for fostering a safer work environment.
Speeding
One of the most apparent dangers associated with workplace vehicles is the potential for collisions due to speeding. Whether it is a delivery truck backing up in a loading dock or a maintenance cart navigating through crowded hallways, the speed at which these vehicles operate can turn a routine task into a dangerous endeavor.
Blind spots
Many workplace vehicles come with inherent blind spots that increase the risk of accidents. Forklifts have restricted visibility due to their design, making it challenging for people to detect nearby pedestrians. If your coworkers fail to check for people near them, they may cause a collision and serious injuries.
Reckless maneuvers
While vehicles themselves pose inherent risks, the human factor is important. Reckless maneuvers by coworkers, whether due to haste or a lack of proper training, amplify the danger. Employees walking near a vehicle may find themselves in harm’s way when other workers fail to adhere to safety protocols.
Dealing with your health around so many large vehicles may seem overwhelming and stressful at times, especially if you are facing financial hardship after an injury. In fact, work-related vehicle accidents cost American employers $39 billion in 2019. Paying attention to how common these accidents are may give you a better understanding of why they happen in the first place.