The Ongoing Global Tragedy of Forklift Accidents: It's Time to Put Worker Safety First

Forklifts are the workhorses of many industries, enabling the efficient movement of heavy materials and keeping operations running smoothly. However, these powerful machines can also be deadly when proper safety protocols are not followed. Forklift accidents continue to claim lives and cause severe injuries in workplaces around the world, highlighting the urgent need for employers to prioritize worker safety above all else.

As we approach National Forklift Safety Day, it's crucial to reflect on this year's theme: "Prevent, Manage, Learn." This powerful message serves as a call to action for businesses to proactively address forklift safety challenges, effectively manage risks, and continuously learn from past incidents to prevent future tragedies.

Recent incidents paint a grim picture of the devastating toll of forklift accidents. In February 2024, a New Zealand building supplies business was fined $500,000 after a customer's leg was partially amputated by a forklift in 2022. Just three months later, Forklift Action reported that at least four workers were killed and 15 more hospitalized due to forklift-related incidents in the United States and Singapore.

The United Kingdom has also seen its share of tragic accidents. A clothing company was fined £40,000 over a 2022 case where a delivery driver suffered multiple leg fractures after being struck by a forklift. Another manufacturer faced a staggering £600,000 fine following a 2018 incident in which a worker's leg was crushed. Even Air New Zealand wasn't immune, with a truck driver being pinned between a forklift and his vehicle after exiting the truck in 2022.

These heart-wrenching stories are just a fraction of the staggering statistics surrounding forklift accidents. OSHA estimates that there are nearly 35,000 "serious" and 61,800 "non-serious" forklift accidents annually in the United States alone. Each year, approximately 100 workers lose their lives, while around 65,000 more suffer severe injuries such as amputations, concussions, and fractures.

At SEEN Safety, we firmly believe that these numbers are unacceptable. We refuse to accept the ongoing tragedy of forklift accidents as an inevitable cost of doing business – not when lives are at stake, and proven solutions exist to dramatically improve safety. Our mission is to ensure that every worker returns home safely at the end of their shift.

No worker should have to risk their life or well-being simply by showing up to earn a living. Workplace safety must be the top priority for every employer, no exceptions.

That's why we've developed a cutting-edge pedestrian safety system for forklifts that embodies the "Prevent, Manage, Learn" approach. Our technology is designed to prevent accidents, safeguard lives, and give employers the tools they need to effectively manage risks and prioritize worker safety. The SEEN system stands apart by utilizing advanced LIDAR technology to reliably detect the retroreflective tape found on standard high-visibility PPE, eliminating the need for special tags or additional equipment. By focussing on the high risk area behind a reversing machine, nuisance alerts are reduced and operator buy-in is ensured. The SEEN system data analytics platform provides a user-friendly window into detection events offering unparalleled visibility and insight.

The benefits of SEEN’s system include: evidence of near miss events to help target risk hotspots, data to inform more effective, safer, traffic flow, predictive analytics and insights into where targeted training can improve near miss events. With a proven track record of reliability and a price point that enables fleet-wide implementation, there's no excuse for companies not to invest in the safety of their most valuable asset: their people.

By embracing the "Prevent, Manage, Learn" philosophy, businesses can create a culture of safety that permeates every aspect of their operations. This means implementing robust safety protocols, and regularly reviewing and updating procedures based on lessons learned from past incidents.

If you share our commitment to putting worker safety first and embracing the "Prevent, Manage, Learn" approach, we urge you to reach out to SEEN Safety today. Our pedestrian safety system for forklifts is simple, effective and affordable. Together, we can put an end to the heartbreak of forklift accidents and create safer, more responsible workplaces for all.