Analysis of forklift accident trends within Victorian industry (Australia)

• Forklift injury accidents have significantly declined in Victoria of the past two decades or so.
• Forklift fatality accidents have significantly declined in Victoria of the past two decades or so.
• Fifty percent of forklift injury accidents are from collisions in Victoria.
• Electronic forklift proximity control system recommended to be developed.
• Consumer price point analysed for electronic forklift proximity control system.

This paper analyses the frequency of forklift related fatalities and injuries within the Victorian state of Australia for the time period 2000–2012. Forklift accidents leading to injury were finely categorised to better understand the occurrence of specific accident types. Forklift fatalities were detailed on a case by case basis and comments were given as to the prevalence of certain accident types. The results from our study were compared with a similar study performed some two decades ago (involving Victorian industry) to see what variations have occurred over time. In order to give validity to this comparison, sensitivities to industrial expansion and the greater adoption of Just in Time (JIT) manufacturing procedures was considered. We also considered the impacts of industrial expansion with regards to the data obtained for our current study (2000–2012). This paper highlights the positive impacts safety initiatives have had in reducing forklift related accidents in Victorian industry. Recommendations are finally given as to how further improvements could be made which will also have relevance to the wider globe in general.