Unfortunately, forklift operation is a very risky ordeal, hence why certification is important. Forklift operation can also be fatal, especially if the operator or another employee falls from a height. According to construction experts, any fall exceeding 12 feet is in the ‘danger zone’ of being fatal. Don’t let this statistic deceive you into a false sense of security, though. A fall from a smaller distance can also prove to be fatal, or it can cause permanent injuries.