Accidents involving rented forklifts, aerial lifts and trailers produce the highest number of fatalities, injuries and damage in the equipment rental industry, a new study has found.

The "Renting Dangerously: Fatalities, Injuries & Losses in the Equipment Rental Industry" study, was conducted by US casualty insurer St Paul Travelers. It examined more than 3500 incidents involving rental equipment between 1996 and 2002.

St Paul risk control senior vice president, Bob Brody said most injuries and fatalities in the study had been the result of consumer and operator error.

"Without proper information and training by the rental dealer, equipment rental can lead to serious and deadly consequences," he said.

Among the study's key findings:
* Forklifts were involved in four fatalities in the study period, with operator error a factor in all four incidents. Bystanders accounted for three of the four forklift fatalities. Forklifts accounted for 11 per cent of total general liability losses.
* Five of the total 18 rental equipment-related fatalities were attributed to personnel lifts. Of those fatalities, four involved contact with powerlines.

"Rental equipment establishments should provide adequate training and safety information to consumers before renting to them," Brody said. "Our first line of defence in preventing injuries and fatalities is to work with dealers to ensure consumers are trained properly and provided with information and resources that clearly explain how to use rental equipment safely."

Brody advised dealers to give consumers well-documented operating instructions and to place large cautionary labels on rental equipment. Dealers should also inspect and service all rental equipment prior to each rental.

The complete study can be found by clicking here.