A call for increased workplace safety
Forklift accidents remain one of the most serious hazards in industrial settings, resulting in hundreds of injuries and fatalities across the U.S. every year. At Intella Parts, we analyzed forklift-related fatality data reported to OSHA from 2017 to 2024—and one fact stood out immediately:
Texas leads the nation in forklift-related fatalities.
This troubling statistic highlights a persistent and preventable safety issue that calls for immediate attention from employers, safety officers, and policy makers.
Texas’s Alarming Numbers
From 2017 to 2024, Texas recorded 48 forklift-related fatalities—more than any other state in the nation. These incidents occurred across multiple industries and cities, with areas like Houston and Austin appearing repeatedly in reports. While Texas is the second-most populous U.S. state, the sheer number of forklift fatalities outpaces expectations, especially when compared to other large states like California and New York.
Fatalities vs. Population
It’s easy to assume Texas’s fatality numbers are simply due to its large population, but the data suggests otherwise. California, with a larger population than Texas, recorded nearly half as many forklift fatalities during the same time period (26 vs. 48). This disparity points to other contributing factors such as:
– Industrial concentration (e.g., warehousing, oil & gas, manufacturing)
– Variances in safety culture and enforcement
– Inconsistent or insufficient operator training
A Persistent Issue Over the Years
This isn’t a one-time spike. Forklift fatalities in Texas have occurred every single year from 2017 through 2023, with no indication that the trend is reversing. Here’s a snapshot:
An analysis of annual data reveals a concerning yet fluctuating trend in fatalities over the years. In 2017, there were 8 reported fatalities, marking the highest point in the dataset. The following year saw a slight improvement with 7 deaths, continuing a downward trend in 2019 with 6 fatalities. However, this decline was short-lived, as the numbers rose again to 7 in 2020. In 2021, fatalities dipped back to 6, only to rise once more and stabilize at 7 in both 2022 and 2023. While the figures remain relatively steady in recent years, the data highlights the ongoing need for enhanced safety measures and continued vigilance to prevent these tragic outcomes.
Common Types of Incidents in Texas
Our analysis of OSHA incident descriptions revealed five major types of fatal forklift accidents in Texas:
1. Crushed or pinned by equipment
2. Struck by a moving forklift
3. Falls from elevated forks or platforms
4. Forklifts overturning or tipping
5. Load-related accidents involving pallets or unstable cargo
Each of these incidents points to familiar hazards—ones that are well-documented and entirely preventable with proper safety protocols.
A Call to Action for Texas Employers
The high number of forklift fatalities in Texas is more than a statistic—it’s a warning. It’s a call to act, to rethink how forklifts are operated, and to double down on proven safety measures. Here’s where that starts:
– Enhanced Operator Training
– Stronger Safety Enforcement
– Hazard Awareness Programs
– Scheduled Equipment Maintenance
– Incorporate Additional Safety Equipment, Such as Visual and Sound Alert Devices.
Final Thoughts
Forklifts are vital tools, but they are also powerful machines capable of causing real harm. Texas’s leading position in forklift fatalities should be a wake-up call to businesses across the state. With smarter practices, better training, and stronger safety cultures, these tragedies can be reduced, and lives can be saved.
At Intella, we’re committed to not only supplying the right parts but also supporting the right safety practices. Together, we can make forklift operations safer—for everyone.
