What Are the Main Causes of Injuries When Using Forklifts in St. Louis?

The main causes of injuries when using forklifts in St. Louis generally stem from overturns, vehicle collisions, and pedestrian impacts involving forklift equipment. Operator mistakes, unsafe driving speeds, poor visibility, and employers’ lack of adherence to safety protocols frequently cause these events. Injuries from such incidents are often severe, disrupting a person’s ability to work, live comfortably, or support their family. Workers must understand their legal rights and options for financial recovery.

At Burger Law , we’re committed to representing injured workers and guiding them through Missouri’s legal system to secure the full compensation they deserve.

Prevalence and Severity of Forklift Injuries

Statistics

Forklifts are among the most hazardous types of powered industrial equipment in U.S. workplaces. According to OSHA, its Severe Injury Report (SIR) dataset documents serious injuries and illnesses requiring inpatient hospitalization, amputations, or eye loss, with many incidents involving forklifts specifically. OSHA mandates that such injuries be reported under regulation 29 CFR 1904.39, although the dataset only includes establishments under federal enforcement, covering about half of the U.S. workforce.

In Missouri, the Bureau of Labor Statistics recorded over 52,000 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in 2022 alone. High-risk sectors such as manufacturing and warehousing, where forklift use is widespread, make up a large share of these incidents. The prevalence of severe injuries involving forklifts highlights the critical need for stricter enforcement of safety regulations and greater oversight of hazardous work environments.

Common Injuries

Workers involved in forklift accidents can suffer:

• Fractures and dislocations from falls or being struck.
• Crushing injuries from being pinned between the forklift and other surfaces.
• Traumatic brain injuries from falling loads or tip-overs.
• Spinal cord injuries are due to improper use or collisions.
• Amputations resulting from contact with forklift components.

These are not only physically devastating but also emotionally and financially disruptive. Recovery often involves surgery, therapy, lost income, and long-term disability.

Main Causes of Forklift Injuries

Lack of Training

Forklift operators must be properly trained and certified. Without adequate training, workers may lack awareness of load capacities, safe turning techniques, and emergency protocols. Missouri law requires training aligned with OSHA regulations, yet many employers cut corners, putting workers at risk.

Inadequate Safety Procedures

When employers fail to enforce consistent safety rules, such as requiring seat belts, routine maintenance checks, and proper signaling, they expose employees to higher risk. Many forklift injuries occur not because the machine is inherently unsafe, but because procedures are poorly communicated or ignored.

Poor Workplace Design

Aisles too narrow for forklift turns, poor lighting, and shared spaces with heavy foot traffic increase the danger. In St. Louis warehouses and manufacturing plants, outdated layouts that don’t accommodate modern equipment or prioritize worker safety are common.

Mechanical Failures

Brake failure, steering malfunctions, hydraulic leaks, or worn-out forks can all lead to catastrophic incidents. OSHA mandates that all forklifts be inspected at least once a day before use, and any equipment found to be unsafe must be immediately removed from service. Unfortunately, many employers fail to follow these rules or cut corners to avoid downtime. This negligence allows faulty machinery to remain in operation, putting workers at risk.

Red flags include a lack of documentation around repairs or ignoring warning signs such as erratic steering or strange noises. Employers must legally maintain a log of repairs, inspections, and parts replacements. When they don’t, an injury occurs, and they can be liable for preventable harm.

Overloading

Forklifts have strict weight limits. When operators exceed them due to employer pressure or lack of training, the forklift can tip over or lose control. Loads must also be properly balanced and secured, which is often overlooked in fast-paced environments.

Pedestrian Interaction

Warehouses and distribution centers often involve forklift operators and on-foot employees sharing the same space. Accidents are far more likely without clear pedestrian zones, mirrors, or audible signals. Pedestrian strikes are one of the most common sources of forklift-related injuries.

Speeding

Forklifts are not designed for speed. Driving too fast compromises braking ability and increases the likelihood of tipping, especially during turns or when carrying heavy loads. Employers must establish and enforce clear speed limits, particularly in crowded or uneven areas.

“I’ve dedicated my entire life to helping our clients receive full compensation for their injuries.”

Gary Burger

Personal Injury Attorney

Preventing Forklift Accidents in the Workplace

Proper precautions could prevent many forklift-related injuries in St. Louis. Preventive strategies include implementing OSHA-compliant training, setting clear pedestrian lanes, performing daily equipment checks, and enforcing speed restrictions. Employers should also ensure their facilities are well-lit and their layouts allow safe movement of forklifts. By focusing on proactive safety, businesses protect their workers and limit liability. Safe environments are legally mandated and morally essential, especially in high-risk industries. These steps can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of forklift accidents on Missouri job sites.

Creating a Culture of Safety in Missouri Workplaces

Minimizing forklift injuries requires more than compliance checklists—it takes a shared commitment to safety throughout the organization. Employers should promote open communication where workers feel encouraged to report unsafe conditions without fear. Regular safety briefings, visible signage, and ongoing training reinforce expectations. Recognizing safe behavior and modeling it from the top down can help embed safety into daily operations. When safety becomes part of a company’s culture, the likelihood of serious forklift-related accidents drops significantly.

Immediate Steps to Take After a Forklift Accident

1. Get medical attention immediately . Don’t assume you’re fine; internal injuries or concussions may not be immediately noticeable. Early treatment ensures your well-being and documents the injury for your claim.
2. Report the accident to your supervisor immediately and request a written acknowledgment. Reporting creates a formal record that supports your case.
3. Document the scene : take photos of the forklift, your surroundings, and any visible injuries. Also, write down what happened and gather the names of witnesses. Documentation builds credibility.
4. Avoid signing anything from your employer or insurer until you consult a workers’ compensation attorney. Some forms may waive your rights without a clear explanation.
5. File a claim promptly : Missouri law gives you 30 days to report the injury to your employer. Waiting too long can jeopardize your ability to receive benefits.

Understanding Employer Liability in Forklift Accidents

When a forklift accident occurs on the job, employer responsibility often comes into question. Under state and federal law, businesses in Missouri have a legal duty to provide a reasonably safe workplace. That includes ensuring forklift operators are properly trained, equipment is routinely maintained, and the work environment minimizes known hazards.

Failing to meet these obligations may result in employer liability beyond the workers’ compensation system. If the injury resulted from gross negligence, such as knowingly assigning an untrained worker to operate a forklift, ignoring repeated maintenance issues, or pressuring staff to bypass safety procedures, a worker may have grounds for further legal action.

Employers are also responsible for compliance with OSHA standards, which cover everything from operator certification to safety inspections. Documented violations of these standards can strengthen a case for accountability. Understanding how employer negligence plays into a workplace injury claim is critical, especially in cases involving serious harm or long-term disability.

Missouri Worker’s Compensation and Legal Rights

Being injured in a forklift accident on the job in St. Louis typically qualifies for workers’ compensation benefits under Missouri law. These benefits may include:

• Payment for emergency and follow-up medical care.
• Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits while recovering.
• Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) or Permanent Total Disability (PTD) if you cannot return to work.
• Mileage reimbursement for travel to medical appointments.

However, not every claim goes smoothly. It’s common for insurers to challenge the severity of injuries, push back on treatment costs, or delay rightful payments. Some workers are told to return to work before healing, while others are directed to company-affiliated doctors who downplay the injury. Knowing what you’re entitled to and when your employer or insurer crosses a line.

Claims can also be denied due to missed deadlines or incomplete paperwork. Working with someone who understands Missouri’s workers’ compensation system can make all the difference in preserving your benefits.

How Can a St. Louis Worker’s Compensation Lawyer Help You

Navigating a workplace injury claim alone can feel overwhelming. We help injured workers by:

• Ensuring all paperwork is filed correctly and on time.
• Standing up to employers and insurance companies who try to minimize or deny claims.
• Securing fair compensation for lost income, medical expenses, and long-term disability.
• Exploring third-party claims to determine if another company or contractor contributed to your injury.

Forklift injuries often involve complex liability issues. If a defective machine or a negligent third party played a role, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim in addition to workers’ comp.

Call Burger Law Today for a Free Consultation

Forklift accidents in St. Louis can leave workers with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and uncertainty about their future. The main causes of injuries when using forklifts —including overturns, speeding, and poor supervision—are preventable in most cases. Accountability is essential when safety regulations are ignored and employees pay the price.

Contact Burger Law at (314) 500-HURT today for a free consultation. Our legal team is ready to pursue every available path to ensure you’re compensated fairly and treated with the dignity you deserve.

Gary Burger

Founder | Injury Attorney
Gary Burger has dedicated his career to standing up against bullies. The founder and principal attorney of Burger Law | St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyer has helped hundreds of Missouri and Illinois individuals and families recover th …
Years of experience: 30 years
Location: St. Louis, MO

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