BACKGROUND:
Forklift rollovers account for approximately 18% of all fatalities involving forklifts and many of the more serious injuries in the workplace.
METHODS:
Proportionate mortality ratios were calculated by using Occupational Safety and Health Administration fatality inspection records for forklift rollovers that resulted in a fatality by industry. An analysis of variance procedure was performed on the average ages of the victims by industry.
RESULTS:
The retail trades industry had a significantly higher (p < 0.05) than expected proportion of fatalities attributable to forklift rollovers. The analysis of variance identified significant differences in the average ages of the victims; however, post hoc comparisons did not yield significant differences.
CONCLUSION:
The majority of the fatalities in the retail trades industry occurred in the building materials, garden supply, and hardware retail trades. Engineering and administrative prevention measures are discussed.