Fatal fork lift truck accidents fall by 69%
15 July 2011
Fatal fork lift truck accidents fall by 69%
Provisional workplace accident figures from the Health &
Safety Executive show just five British workers were killed by fork
lift trucks during 2009/10; down from a peak of 16 as recently as
2006/7.
The data confirms a third consecutive improvement in UK's fork
lift truck safety record for both fatal and non-fatal
accidents.
Fatal, major and three-day injuries have all now reached record
lows - with overall accident totals having fallen by 45%.
Major injuries, including amputations, long bone fractures and
unconsciousness, fell below 400 for the first time since records
were published.
The sustained improvement in fork lift truck safety far
outstrips a slight fall in workplace transport accidents overall,
suggesting there is more than the economic downturn behind the
trend.
Forklift Truck Association (FLTA) Chief executive David Ellison
says: "Every serious fork lift truck accident is a tragedy, and it
goes without saying that five fatalities is five too many.
"Nonetheless, a further year's improvement in the fork lift
truck accident record can only be positive news. It's further proof
that a little extra care can make a huge difference.
"For instance, many trucks are still operated by people who are
not adequately trained - putting life, limb and property at serious
risk. For that reason, this year's Safety Week will have a training
theme - summarised in the slogan more skills, less spills."
"Fork lift trucks remain statistically the most dangerous type
of workplace transport. Even after the latest improvements, there
were still 369 serious accidents - that's a worker hospitalised
with a major, potentially life-changing injury, every single day of
the year.
"We will therefore redouble our efforts to help and encourage
companies to safeguard fork lift truck operators, their colleagues,
and the general public."
National Fork Lift Safety Week 2011 runs from 19th - 25th
September.
Source: Forklift Truck Association
