Forklift safety analysis reveals 97 fatalities in the U.S. during 2024

An analysis of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) data by Intella Parts reveals that forklift-related accidents claimed 97 lives across the United States in 2024. The most frequent causes of death included struck-by incidents or collisions (23 fatalities), being caught, crushed, or pinned (22), and falling loads or materials (20). Additionally, forklift overturns and falls from elevation each accounted for 14 deaths.

Beyond operational accidents, the report highlights significant risks during maintenance and service. Twenty-one fatalities occurred during activities such as repairs, inspections, and loading preparation. Marcel VandenTop, President of Intella Parts, noted that hazards extend beyond the operator, often affecting pedestrians, maintenance personnel, and workers handling materials.

To mitigate these risks, safety recommendations include establishing exclusion zones to separate pedestrians from traffic, verifying load stability, enforcing seat belt use, and inspecting travel routes for obstructions. The findings also emphasize the importance of proper equipment maintenance and the use of safety devices like warning lights and audible alarms to prevent downtime and injury.