The FLTA's National Forklift Safety Week will be held on September 21 to 27 this year.

The Fork Lift Truck Association (FLTA)'s National Forklift Safety Week, an annual awareness campaign targeting warehouse managers, forklift operators, their co-workers and the general public, will be held on September 21 to 27 this year.

According to FLTA, the end of summertime and the start of the new school year in the UK is known as the "deadliest month of the year" for those working with and near forklifts.

Every year, about 400 workers suffer serious injuries, including amputations, fractures and dislocations, in forklift incidents. Worse, forklift incidents cause the death of one British worker every six weeks, with that rate doubling in September, FLTA says.

Statistics suggest two-thirds of such incidents kill or injure someone who was not driving the forklift at the time. It means anyone visiting or working at the thousands of British businesses that rely on forklifts could be at risk.

FLTA chief executive David Ellison says accidents often occur when drivers or pedestrians are distracted. "Last year, sadly one person died in just the first few hours of National Forklift Safety Week. This year, we're redoubling our efforts, and asking people to spread the safety message in all ways possible."

Ellison adds that individual staff members need to demonstrate enthusiasm for safer British workplaces. "We need you to drive home the message within your company. We're going to do all we can - now we look to you to make National Fork Lift Safety Week 2009 a resounding success."

There is a section on the FLTA website, www.fork-truck.org.uk, with Safety Week resources to encourage people to highlight safety in the workplace. It also has safety-related discounts and offers, and free online videos during the month of September.

Those interested in improving their operations are invited to attend the National Forklift Truck Safety Conference at Warwick University on 30 September. For more information on the National Forklift Safety Week, visit www.fork-truck.org.uk or email mail@fork-truck.org.uk.