Tim Waples, Chief Executive, Fork Lift Truck Association: Each year, around 1300 people are hospitalised with life-changing injuries, following accidents involving lift trucks.

Tim Waples, Chief Executive, Fork Lift Truck Association

No one sets out to have an accident, but they can and do happen. Nowhere is this truer than in the warehouse, where machines, operators and colleagues share working spaces.

When operations happen as they ‘should’, this partnership can deliver powerful results. However, when these interactions don’t go according to plan, there’s the potential for catastrophic events to follow: from expensive damage to stock and racking through to serious injuries (or worse).

An accident can leave a big wake that changes the life of all involved – including the outlook for your business. A serious accident can take a solid operation into financial peril… in an instant.

Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be this way. Research into the causes of lift truck accidents has proven – time and time again – that most aren’t caused by the equipment itself, but the actions taken by the individuals involved.

With so many people and decisions affecting your operations, it’s not difficult to stray from best practice into dangerous behaviours. All it takes is for an operator, colleague, manager or supervisor, to lose focus for a moment and act without considering the consequences of that action.

For managers and supervisors overseeing safety in the warehouse, the challenge is to educate operators and colleagues on the hazards associated with lifting operations and ensure they know how to respond appropriately to keep themselves and colleagues safe.

The FLTA website, www.fork-truck.org.uk is packed with resources to assist your safety efforts, including:

• Free fact sheets offering best practice advice on a range of subjects, including training, segregation and driver requirements.

• Materials for toolbox talks, such as our video featuring accident survivor Lisa Ramos.

• Practical guidance on complying with the Law Managing shifting safety regulations, government legislation and best practice procedures can be challenging for those responsible for safety in the warehouse.

That’s why the FLTA created its Safe User Group more than a decade ago. It was established to keep Members up to date with best practice and the Law.

In addition, our Safe User Group Members can access:

• Heavily-discounted admission to the FLTA’s National Forklift Safety Convention and Awards for Excellence

• Exclusive access to the FLTA’s comprehensive online resources

• Big savings on FLTA store items

• Technical bulletins

• And more

FLTA

www.fork-truck.org.uk

Comments are closed.