Although forklifts help workers move heavy loads efficiently, they can pose a safety hazard. For example, in one Alberta incident, a forklift carrying stacks of pallets struck three retail store workers who were stocking shelves, injuring two of them. The forklift operator’s visibility had been limited by the pallets.
Between 2019 and 2024, forklifts were involved in 57 reported PSIs. As shown in the image above, forklift-related PSIs occurred in 42 different industries. Most of the incidents involved being contacted or struck by a forklift, caught in or between a forklift or struck by falling objects from a forklift. Over one in three reported forklift-related PSIs resulted in someone being injured (39 per cent). Head injuries were the most reported injured body part (34 per cent); minor injuries involving wounds, sores or bruises occurred in over half of all injuries (59 per cent).
Visibility issues were a major factor in reported forklift-related PSIs, often involving raised loads that blocked the operator’s view. Other reported risks included unstable loads and collisions with racks.
For more on forklift safety, see the forklift health and safety best practices guideline (https://ohs-pubstore.labour.alberta.ca/bp015) on the OHS Resource Portal. And remember, all existing and potential hazards at work sites need to be identified and controlled, including hazards related to forklifts. For more information, see the hazard assessment and control handbook on the portal. (https://ohs-pubstore.labour.alberta.ca/bp018)
