Here is some event data that I developed from the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Code 851 forklift fatality data for 2003 - 2006. Event information prior to 2003 cannot be directly compared as the BLS classification methods were changed to meet NAFTA requirements.

Forklift fatality by code 851 (forklift) primary source event from U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, (2003 - 2006):

Total primary source forklift related fatalities: (2003 - 89); (2004 - 92); (2005 - 94); (2006 - (p) 81). (p) = preliminary data and may change.

Struck by forklift: (2003 -17/19%); (2004 - 19/20%); (2005 - 25/27%); (2006 - (p) 26/32%).

Forklift overturn: (2003 -23/26%); (2004 - 21/22%); (2005 - 17/18%); (2006 - (p) 18/22%).

Caught in equipment: (2003 - 9/10%); (2004 - 14/15%); (2005 - 19/20%); (2006 - (p) 12/15%).

Struck by falling object: (most likely operator being hit by falling load from lack of backrest and possible lack of overhead deflection guard). (2003 - 6/7%); (2004 - 6/7%); (2005 - 7/7%); (2006 - (p) 5/6%).

Forklift fatality by code 851 (forklift) secondary source event from U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, (2003 - 2006):

Total secondary source forklift related fatalities: (2003- 34); (2004 - 57); (2005 - 58); (2006 - (p) 51). (p) = preliminary data and may change.

Struck by Falling Object: (most likely from load falling from back side of rack or from a passing forklift): (2003 - 14/41%); (2004 - 23/40%); (2005 - 35/50%); (2006 - (p) 28/55%).

Fall to lower level (most likely a worker falling from elevated fork/pallet but could also include operator falling from entering/exiting the operator compartment): (2003 - 9/26%); (2004 - 21/37%): (2005 - 11/19%); (2006 - (p) 15/27%).