The FLTA offers this poster for free until the end of October.

Over 1.2 million workers in the UK could be at risk of a serious accident due to inadequate training in working near forklifts.

The findings were revealed by the Fork Lift Truck Association (FLTA) when it opened the National Fork Lift Safety Week on 19-25 September.

Every year, five to 10 Britons are killed by forklifts and about 400 are hospitalised with major injuries including amputations and crushing. Over a thousand more suffer accidents requiring at least three days' recovery time.

After comparing data from the Office for National Statistics and Skills for Logistics, the FLTA discovered that one in 12 UK employees regularly works near forklifts, but fewer than half of these receive the minimum recommended training for their job.

It is not only forklift operators who are at risk, but also van and heavy goods vehicle drivers, warehouse workers, managers and other people in closely associated roles.

FLTA CEO David Ellison says even after recent safety improvements, forklifts account for more serious injuries than any other workplace transport. "We're not just talking about forklift operators. Around two-thirds of accident victims are colleagues on foot - and, of course, managers can't protect employees unless they've also had the right training to spot and eliminate risks.

"That's why we were concerned to see that 55% of logistics workers lack the basic skills for their job. If this extends to forklift awareness, which we are sure it does, it's no wonder these life-shattering accidents happen literally every day."

To help remedy the situation, this year's National Fork Lift Safety Week focuses on training.

Until the end of October, visitors to the FLTA website can download a free safety poster, complete a checklist to evaluate their own training arrangements, and view a presentation on the importance of ensuring supervisors are themselves properly trained.

"All employees must have the right training to carry out their work safely. We hope to reach as many forklift managers as possible to remind them about that," Ellison says.