Five years ago, the Fork Lift Truck Association introduced National Fork Lift Safety Week, in a bid to reduce the number of British fork lift truck accidents attributable to human error – whether through complacency or a lack of basic safety procedures.

Peter-Harvey---1While there have been significant improvements to the safety record, serious injuries – including fatalities are rising again.

At our Safety Conference in September, the HSE provided delegates with a snapshot of progress in this area and, while we’ve seen significant improvements over the past decade, there are signs that serious injuries – including fatalities – are set to rise in 2013/14.

In 2011/12, there were reductions in the total number of incidents involving fork lift trucks – approximately 1,000 overall. Six fatalities occurred: two fewer than the previous year.

While the numbers plateaued in 2012/13, delegates heard that since April 2013, six fatalities have already occurred as a result of injuries sustained in fork lift truck accidents.

This news demonstrates just how dangerous complacency can be. This is why we, as an Association, are urging every person who works with or alongside fork lift trucks to show their commitment to safety.

During National Fork Truck Safety Week, we challenged workers, managers and supervisors to put their understanding of key issues affecting fork lift truck safety to the test.

This was met with an overwhelming response as hundreds from throughout the UK took part in our 2nd annual Safety Challenge.

Developed in partnership with Mentor Training, our online quiz challenge put nearly 1,000 individuals – from shelf-stackers to CEOs – through their paces to confirm their safety foundations.

Some companies even asked all of their employees to take part in the challenge, so they could benchmark awareness in their organisations.

We were overwhelmed by the tremendous number of people who have shown their commitment. More than that, we are especially impressed by the levels of competency achieved – particularly by operators and pedestrians.  Seventy-one per cent succeeded – nearly double that of managers and supervisors.

In the months ahead, we will draw on quiz results to identify gaps in knowledge, ensuring that our future safety events and resources can be tailored to meet the needs of employers.

While Safety Week was another huge success, we must all remember that fork lift truck safety is an ongoing process that needs constant vigilance and education.

Peter Harvey MBE, Chief Executive of the Fork Lift Truck Association

FLTA

www.fork-truck.org.uk

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