The Victorian state government is developing a forklift safety code of conduct to be distributed to forklift owners early next year.

WorkSafe Victoria is developing the code with manufacturers and suppliers in the latest move to fight forklift-related fatalities, an Australian Associated Press report said. Fifty people have died in forklift accidents in Victoria since 1985.

WorkSafe's transport, storage & trade operational strategy manager, Lance Kenningham, said the code, expected to be implemented by January, would cover minimum safety requirements for all forklifts.

A study found 28 of the 50 forklift victims were working around the vehicles, 15 operators were crushed, six deaths followed falls from forklifts and one person died from inhaling exhaust fumes.

"Forklifts have become such a common feature in the workplace that people start to get blasé about them," Mr Kenningham said. "They are an extremely dangerous piece of equipment.

"We intend to target employers and suppliers of forklifts who don't do the right thing, very vigorously," he said.