Investigation and analysis of losses associated with powered industrial trucks at Company X

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify the losses associated with powered industrial trucks (PIT) at Company X from January 1996 through September 1999. This task was accomplished through loss tab analysis. A review of accident reports from PIT-related accidents was performed in attempt to identify possible root causes of the accidents. Seventy-seven PIT-related accidents were identified. These accidents resulted in significant economic losses for Company X. Medical and indemnity payments from Worker’s Compensation claims resulting from these accidents totaled $347,966.42. Employees 19-25 years of age and/or with under 5 years of employment were found to be at highest risk to be involved in PIT-related accidents. Accident claims involving these groups resulted in approximately 40% of incurred losses from PIT-related accidents at Company X. Additional risk factors were identified, such as speed of PIT operation and uneven surfaces. To reduce the impact of these risk factors, several control measures were recommended including enhanced PIT operator training, workplace hazard assessments, and more thorough accident reporting methods.