Chicago Workers' Compensation Attorney Blog

A Hillside, Illinois company is facing $164,800 in fines for work-safety violations. Among the violations are allegations of unsafe forklift operation, failing to provide proper eyewash facilities and exposure to corrosive chemicals, according to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration.

Our Chicago workers' compensation attorneys recently reported the case of a Mokena environmental services company accused of exposing employees to chemical hazards in the workplace.

Machine hazards are another common cause of injuries, whether it's improperly installed or maintained machines, lack of safety guards on machines, or dangerous moving equipment such as forklifts. In this case, a complaint indicated employees were not receiving proper training in forklift operation and that a hazardous chemical spill occurred as a result.

"Employers who are cited for repeat violations demonstrate a lack of commitment to workplace safety and health standards," said Diane Turek, director of OSHA's Chicago North office in Des Plaines. "Deficient forklifts and improperly handled chemicals can lead to serious injuries or death."

Four repeat violations have been proposed, with fines totaling $132,000. The company is accused of allowing employees to operate forklifts even after noted deficiencies. It also is accused of inadequate eyewash facilities and of not providing adequate fire extinguisher training. The company also faces allegations of failing to properly train and evaluate forklift operators.

Illinois OSHA reports 100 employees are killed each year and 20,000 are seriously injured in forklift accidents. Common causes include forklifts overturning and employees being struck by forklifts.

Forklift Safety Tips Include:

-Ensure a load is stable before moving the forklift.
-Unless picking up or depositing a load, ensure that the forks do not tip forward.
-Don't tip a load backward past the point necessary to stabilize the load.
-Don't raise a load higher than necessary.
-Cross railroad tracks on a diagonal.
-When on an incline, keep the load uphill.
-Don't drive faster than will permit safe stopping.
-Always drive slower on turns or on wet or slippery surfaces.
-Avoid driving on uneven surfaces whenever possible.

Condition of forklift:

-Are there hydraulic leaks?
-Are battery terminals covered? Are fuel connectors tight?
-Are their sparks or flames coming from exhaust system?
-Is the engine overheating?
-Are tires in good condition and properly inflated?
-Do controls work properly?
-Are their cracks in the forklift or other signs of fatigue?
-Does the forklift steer properly?
-Are the brakes functioning properly?
-Are there working seat belts?
-Are load plates present and readable?