The Australian Industry Group says operators using cellular phones while driving forklifts are "far more likely" to have accidents.

AIG spokesman Stephen Smith’s comments came after South Pacific Tyres banned its employees from using or even carrying cellular phones in its warehouse.

A Hobart Mercury newspaper report said South Pacific Tyres employees faced being stood down without pay for using or carrying mobile phones outside "designated breaks" at the company’s warehouse in Melbourne.

Smith said it was reasonable to link the use of mobile phones to workplace accidents.

"Research shows people are a lot more likely to have an accident while using a phone and driving, and it’s reasonable to assume [they’re] far more likely to have an accident while using a phone and driving a forklift," he said.