Unsafe forklift operating practices are the target of a new campaign by Victoria's workplace safety watchdog.

WorkSafe Victoria transport and storage program director Trevor Martin said there had been more than 5,000 forklift-related injury claims, with 48 fatalities, in Victoria since 1985. Most deaths occurred when a forklift, or its load, struck a pedestrian, an Australian Associated Press report said.

"The huge number of forklift-related incidents shows the need for more stringent safety practices, particularly in relation to traffic management," Mr Martin said. "Injury claims in the transport and storage industry last financial year (2001/02) cost more than AUD1 million."

Traffic management plans and pedestrian exclusion zones must be created in heavy traffic areas to ensure pedestrians were not injured, Mr Martin said.