Pallet Jack Injuries. The benefits of using a Pallet Jack Safety Guard. A simple solution to a common accident

Transcription

1 Pallet Jack Injuries The benefits of using a Pallet Jack Safety Guard A simple solution to a common accident

2 Index Pallet Jack Injuries 01 Introduction 3 02 Examples of Pallet Jack Injuries 4 03 Time lost due to injury 7 04 Cost of injuries 9 05 Incidence rates of Pallet Jack injuries Types of Injuries Sustained Safety Guard Contact Information

3 1. Introduction The importance of adequate foot protection in the workplace is often downplayed Foot and toe injuries typically take longer to heal than many other common workplace injuries When a foot injury occurs, the company not only incurs the cost of the accident, but also the loss of time, production, and training due to the employee's absence The weight does not need to be heavy: 80% of all foot injuries are caused by an object weighing no more than 30 pounds Source: OHS (Occupational Health & Safety) 3

4 2. Examples of Pallet Jack Injuries The individual suffered a foot crush when the pallet jack he was operating ran over his feet. He said that he was unable to remove his feet and that a co worker lifted the pallet jack off him. He immediately sought and received emergency treatment. Surgery was performed on his left foot and required follow up care. After the injury, the victim suffered constant pain, and by the end of the day, his pain was miserable. At the time of the accident, the left foot was broken and the right foot was mashed. He said that before the accident he enjoyed running but now his feet ached. He has developed posttraumatic arthritis of his mid feet and continues to have some pain and decreased range of motion about his feet. The employer has paid medical benefits and periods of wage loss benefits. Source: VIRGINIA: IN THE WORKERS COMPENSATION COMMISSION; MICHAEL LANE BUCHANAN, Claimant 4

5 2. Examples of Pallet Jack Injuries (Cont) The individual was injured after working for three hours when his left foot was caught in the wheel of a pallet jack. He sought immediate medical attention at Mercy Medical Center emergency room. The claimant was left with persistent left foot pain Source: BEFORE THE IOWA WORKERS COMPENSATION COMMISSIONER; SENAHID BECIROVIC, Claimant vs. WAL MART STORES, INC., Employer 5

6 2. Examples of Pallet Jack Injuries (Cont) The individual was helping unload a pallet when the pallet jack pulled up over her right foot". As a result, she hit her head on the concrete floor and twisted her right leg, ankle, foot, and knee. Her right leg was swollen from the ankle to the knee, and she was unable to walk. She stated that, in order to walk, she currently needed the assistance of a brace. She said that her knee continues to hurt and, as a result, she was beginning to experience problems with her hip. Source: AN APPEAL FROM THE ARKANSAS WORKERS COMPENSATION COMMISSION [F403942]; SUSIE NOWLIN, APPELLANT v. WAL MART STORES, INC., CLAIMS MANAGEMENT, INC., APPELLEES 6

7 3. Time lost due to injury Employees who suffer a foot or toe injury miss an average of seven days of work, compared with an average of five days as a result of a hand or finger injury on the job Source: OHS (Occupational Health & Safety) 7

8 3. Time lost due to injury: Of all cart/dolly/handtruck injuries 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% Cases involving 1 day Cases involving 2 days Cases involving 3 5 days Cases involving 6 10 days Cases involving days Cases involving days Cases involving 31 or more days Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor 8

9 4. Cost of injuries The average foot/toe accident costs companies $6,000 (OHS) The average foot injury which results in lost work day(s) costs a company $9,600 (National Council on Compensation Insurance) 9

10 5. Incidence rates of Pallet Jack injuries The National Safety Council reports 180,000 foot injuries on average per year, which is about 500 cases per day OHS reports 250,000 occupational foot injuries each year, or one injury every 30 seconds 5.8% of all foot/toe workplace injuries are caused by carts/dollies/handtrucks (BLS) 10

11 6. Types of Injuries Sustained (of all Cart/Dolly/Handtruck injuries) 50% 45% 40% 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% Sprains, strains Fractures Cuts, lacerations Bruises, contusions Soreness, Pain All other Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor 11

12 7. Safety Guard 12

13 7. Safety Guard Simple process. Installs in under 2 minutes. A specially designed collar is mounted with two steel bolts with self locking nuts. Attaches to the steering mechanism of the pallet jack to provide continuous protection at all angles. Safety Guard design allows for protection while loaded, unloaded, operated on inclines and declines. Full range of motion for steering. 13

14 7. Safety Guard 14

15 7. Safety Guard 15

16 7. Safety Guard Video in 3 seconds or double click in the black box. 16

17 8. Contact Information For further information please call Tiki Vietri at United States Patent Tikiguard, LLC If you think safety is expensive, try having an accident 17