When you think of all the injuries that can arise from the use of heavy equipment, what comes to mind? Chances are good that forklift accidents are not foremost in your mind.
But that is not to say that bad things can’t happen to forklift operators during the course of their duties. It doesn’t even have to be a sudden or catastrophic event, as many forklift operators suffer musculoskeletal injuries over time due to the repetitive strain to which their bodies are subjected.
Below are some of the chronic injuries that can happen when driving a forklift.
- Back and neck pain from the vibration
- Whiplash
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Problems concentrating
- Lower back pain
Forklift operators should take regular breaks they use to stretch their muscles. They should remove bulky objects like wallets from their back pockets. Also, reducing the speed at which they drive the forklifts can diminish some of the vibrations that cause these debilitating injuries over time.Are you suffering from chronic injuries that occurred while you spent months or years on a job running a forklift? It can sometimes be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of these type of injuries. When you visit your doctor to address your complaint, make sure that you make them aware that you are a forklift operator who spends many hours a day at the controls of a forklift.
That way, should your discomfort increase to the point where it interferes in your ability to carry out your daily duties, you may be able to make a claim for workers’ compensation benefits.
