Many work-related factors can cause accidents. Grouping them into specific categories may help to analyze accidents and, eventually, to prevent them.

• Lack of training or improper training of workers who have to operate forklift trucks.
• Production factors such as speed or stress.
• Lack of proper tools, attachments and accessories.
• Improper assignment of forklifts and operators.
• Poor maintenance of forklifts.
• Age of forklifts.

• Improper backing up techniques.
• Improper turning.
• Improper warnings to others about a forklift in use nearby.
• Poor communication during shared tasks, or in shared spaces.
• Riding or giving rides on forklift or load.
• Parking the forklift improperly.
• Improper blocking of wheels on semi-trailers or railway cars.
• Horseplay; stunt driving; jerky, erratic driving.
• Inadequate servicing of the forklift.

• Narrow aisles.
• Crowded, cluttered aisles.
• Obstructions at intersections and doors.
• Volume of traffic in work area.
• Walking and working in the general area of forklift operations.
• Other workplace conditions such as noise, odours, toxic gases, dust, or poor lighting.
• Many ramps with different surfaces.
• Condition of loading dock.

• Poorly stacked or piled on the pallet.
• Pallets in poor repair.
• Load too heavy.
• Load unstable or blocking vision.

• Malfunction of brakes.
• Malfunction of steering.
• Malfunction of clutch, shift linkage, or transmission.
• Malfunction of mast assembly.
• Leaks in hydraulic systems or transmission.
• Safety devices lacking, inadequate, or malfunctioning.
• Emissions from forklifts.
• "Blind spots" or obstructions blocking driver's view.
• Poor layout of controls and displays.