Forklifts themselves are not the problem. Proper training on operation in the specific job site and specific truck model is the key as well as pedestrian training.
Most fatal lift truck incidents have pedestrians involved. Even though it is recognized that pedestrians have the right of way, training them to be defensive pedestrians should be part of every employees new hire training wherever sites have lift trucks. Thats why near misses should be fully investigated in these types of incidents. No one ever died from "almost getting run over by a lift truck". Does your site employees have the proper training, pedestrians AND lift truck drivers? Are there ways to seperate the foot traffic from lift truck traffic?