HSE statistics show that forklifts injure almost as many people at work as vans, cars and heavy goods vehicles combined.

Over 40 people are likely to be badly injured by UK forklifts in the next seven days, according to new findings released by the Fork Lift Truck Association (FLTA).

The figures, based on Health and Safety Executive workplace accident statistics since 2001, also show that forklifts injure almost as many people at work as vans, cars and heavy goods vehicles combined.

Statistically, an average week's injury toll of 41 would include the following types of people: 11 serious, long-term injuries like amputations, five victims at or approaching retirement age, three injuries to female workers, 20 pedestrians struck by a moving truck and two victims under the age of 19.

Someone in the UK is killed by a forklift on average every six weeks. The rate doubles in September as companies take on additional staff to cope with pre-Christmas stock movements.

FLTA CEO David Ellison believes much of the problem lies with managers and supervisors. "All too often, the people responsible for enforcing good practice are poorly equipped for the task."

"It's not unusual for managers and supervisors to have had no formal training in forklift safety, and have too little time to do the research. As a result, these men and women charged with looking after our workplaces are often not able to recognise risks when they see them and take action before problems occur," Ellison explains.

To help combat the problem, the FLTA has published a variety of managers' safety resources on its website, www.fork-truck.org.uk, available free of charge. It is hoped the initiative will continue to support a recent downward trend in the accident figures.

"Since we introduced National Fork Lift Safety Week in 2008, literally thousands of companies have made use of the safety downloads on the website, coinciding with a noticeable improvement in the accident record," Ellison says.

The FLTA held its National Fork Lift Safety Week to raise forklift safety awareness among businesses and operators from 20-26 September this year.