Updated Forklift Safety Data: New Fatality Trends & Classification Changes
In recognition of National Forklift Safety Day, it’s important to examine the latest available data on forklift-related injuries and fatalities. Recent releases from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and National Safety Council (NSC) provide updated insight into workplace incidents involving forklifts, order pickers, and powered platform trucks.
Transition to Biennial Nonfatal Injury Reporting
BLS has transitioned from annual to biennial publication of detailed nonfatal injury data. The final single-year report was issued for 2020. Beginning with the 2021–2022 reporting period, data on Days Away from Work (DAFW), Days of Job Transfer or Restriction (DJTR), and Days Away from Work, Job Restriction, or Transfer (DART) are reported as two-year estimates rather than annual figures.
The latest available nonfatal injury data (2021–2022) show:
- 24,960 DART cases involving forklifts, order pickers, and platform trucks
- 15,480 cases that resulted in days away from work
- Workers aged 25–34 experienced the highest number of DART cases
- Approximately 4% of DART cases involved female workers
Because the data are now reported on a biennial basis, comparisons to pre-2021 annual figures should be made carefully. These estimates provide valuable insight into the workforce segments most frequently affected by forklift-related incidents and can help employers target safety initiatives more effectively.
Updated Occupational Injury Classification System
BLS implemented an updated Occupational Injury and Illness Classification System (OIICS) beginning with the 2023 reporting year. The updated system improves how occupational injuries and illnesses are categorized and analyzed but also creates a break in the historical data series.
As a result:
- Fatality data from 2023 forward use the updated classification system
- 2021–2022 nonfatal data still use the previous classification system
Comparisons between pre-2023 and post-2023 data should be interpreted with caution.
Forklift Fatalities Increased in 2024
The newest fatality data reveal a concerning increase in forklift-related deaths. According to the National Safety Council and BLS data 84 workers died in incidents involving forklifts, order pickers, or powered platform trucks in 2024. This represents an increase from 67 fatalities reported in 2023. Fatal incidents continue to disproportionately affect experienced workers and older age groups compared to nonfatal injuries, which are more common among workers ages 25–34.
While overall workplace fatalities in the United States declined in 2024, forklift-related deaths increased, highlighting the continued importance of operator training, pedestrian awareness, equipment inspections, and workplace traffic management.
Promoting a Safer Forklift Workplace
Improving forklift safety starts with consistent operator training, routine equipment maintenance, and a workplace culture that prioritizes safety and accountability. These foundational practices remain critical to preventing injuries and fatalities.
MHEDA is committed to supporting member safety efforts through a variety of resources, including industry-recognized training and certification programs, safety consultations provided by member companies, and practical guidance on forklift safety best practices.
Regular forklift inspections and preventive maintenance programs are equally important, helping identify potential hazards before they result in incidents, downtime, or costly repairs.
Track the Trends
Monitoring forklift injury and fatality trends helps organizations identify emerging risks and strengthen workplace safety programs. MHEDA encourages members to use these insights to reinforce training initiatives, evaluate safety procedures, and focus attention on the workforce segments most frequently affected by forklift-related incidents.
As the latest data demonstrate, forklift safety remains a critical industry priority, and continued vigilance is essential to protecting workers and reducing preventable injuries and fatalities.
References
National Safety Council (2026) – Injury Facts: Forklifts, 2023 – 2024
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2026) – Injuries, Illnesses, and Fatalities Program, 2024
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2026) – Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries Summary, 2024
