Provisional figures show that five British workers were killed by forklifts during 2009/10.

Fatal forklift accidents have fallen by more than two-thirds in the UK, according to new Health & Safety Executive statistics.

The statistics showing the drop in accidents coincide with the introduction of the Fork Lift Truck Association (FLTA)'s National Forklift Safety Week campaign.

Provisional workplace accident figures show that five British workers were killed by forklifts during 2009/10, down from a peak of 16 in 2006/7.

The FLTA has highlighted the statistics while unveiling its theme "More Skills, Less Spills" for this year's Safety Week.

Fatal, major and three-day injuries have 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 the records were published.

FLTA Chief executive David Ellison says that forklifts 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," Ellison says.

"We will, therefore, redouble our efforts to help and encourage companies to safeguard forklift operators, their colleagues, and the general public," he adds.

The National Fork Lift Safety Week 2011 runs from 19-25 September. For more information, visit the FLTA online at .