No industries are as material intensive as warehousing, construction and shipbuilding.

Every day, people go down because of accidents occurring on loading docks, involving forklifts, conveyors, cranes, trucks, pallet jacks, positioning equipment, storage equipment, unit load formation equipment and manual lifting and handling.

Forklift Accidents

Forklift accidents alone account for about 20,000 serious injuries yearly. About people – operators and bystanders -- are killed in forklift accidents every year. People are injured in different ways:

  • Tipovers leading to crushing
  • Crushing when vehicle collides with other objects
  • Caught between a forklift and another vehicle
  • People being struck by or run over by a forklift
  • Falling materials or shelving
  • Fall from platforms and docks

Our Mission

At Hofmann & Schweitzer, our mission is ensuring that New York’s construction and harbor workers get full and fair compensation for job site accidents. We work with insurance companies and employers to obtain a rightful settlement in your case. Those cases we are unable to negotiate, we take to trial.

We know firsthand how destructive these injuries can be. For this reason, we have a strong interest in preventing injuries before they occur. If these negotiation attempts are unsuccessful, we will fight for you in the courtroom.

Tips to Avoid Common Work Injuries

Know how your equipment works - A disproportionate number of materials handling injuries occur in the first few days of employment, or of using a machine. Read your manual. Pay attention during training. When possible, obtain certification.

Look out - If you are unable to pay proper attention because of fatigue or stress, stop what you are doing. Doing your job is important, but it’s not worth dying for, or losing functionality.

Use your protective gear - Yes, it’s a hassle to wear protective gear like goggles, sound dampeners, and other safety gear. But it’s better than losing your eyesight or hearing for.

Look to OSHA - Know what OSHA and ANSI have to say about the equipment you are using. Just because the government sets standards doesn’t mean they are wrong.

Slow down - Doing the job right is better than setting a speed record. Studies show that speed and quality of work only correlate negatively.

Stay on the level - Forklifts and other machinery are designed to work on a level surface.

Check and double check - Before you turn the key, do a walk-around inspection. When you power down, do the same. Many accidents happen because a single screw got loose. Be on the lookout for small things that pose a major danger.

Timothy F. Schweitzer
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Personal injury lawyer specializing in maritime, construction and railroad injury claims.
Join The Conversation
Jocelyn McDonald 06/13/2018 10:36 AM
My friend is working in a warehouse next year, and I want him to be careful to avoid injuries. Your article had some great tips for preventing common injuries in these occupations, and I really liked how you mentioned that slowing down is always a good tip, as quality of work and speed only have a negative correlation. Thanks for the help; I'll be sure to share these safety tips with my friend to help him when he begins his warehouse work. http://www.equipsafe.com.au/confined-space-training/
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Derek Dewitt 06/20/2018 08:13 AM
I have a friend that might be working in a warehouse this summer, so thanks for sharing these safety tips. I like your point about slowing down and watching the speed you go while on a forklift. I'll be sure to suggest this to him so he's less likely to get in an accident.
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Jocelyn McDonald 07/31/2018 12:30 PM
My brother wants to work in a warehouse around scaffolding, and I'm nervous that he doesn't know how to be safe around this kind of equipment. I wanted to share some warehouse safety tips with him, and your article was just what I was looking for. You mentioned to just take things slowly, as speed and work quality correlate negatively, and I'll be sure to share this with my brother if he ends up working at a warehouse. http://www.inls.com.au/course-outlines
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