Hundreds of employees are seriously injured each year in fork lift truck accidents. Many of the injuries sustained lead to disability and in some cases death. It may surprise you to learn that up to two thirds of these employees weren’t operating the truck at the time – they just happened to get in the way.
A new employee safety booklet is available now from the FLTA. Aimed at cutting the number of fork lift accidents at UK businesses, Employee Safety: Working with Fork Lift Trucks is the latest publication in the FLTA’s Operator/Employee Safety series – which covers subjects including counterbalance trucks, daily or pre-shift checks and warehouse lifting equipment.
For their own safety, and that of others, anyone working near a fork lift truck should be familiar with the risks – and dangerous practices – which are outlined and illustrated clearly in the booklet.
Pedestrians often don’t understand the dangers associated with fork lift operations. Fork lift trucks and pedestrians simply don’t mix – and that is the problem.
Although the best advice is to keep well clear of any fork lift in operation, sometimes it is unavoidable. With that in mind, the new FLTA publication includes some simple and easy-to-remember tips that could save a life – or a limb.”
The booklet has been written in two easy-to-read sections. The first is aimed at employees and provides them with the basic information they should know for their own safety and that of others around them. Although also beneficial to truck operators and users, it is specifically aimed at those working alongside fork lift trucks.
The booklet’s second part, directed at employers, examines legal responsibilities, safety equipment and safety resources. Safe practice is strongly encouraged through the exploration of health and safety issues.
Priced at £1.50 each, or £67.50 for a pack of 50, the new booklet is a valuable resource for those working with and near fork lift trucks.
To order Employee Safety: Working with Fork Lift Trucks visit the website www.fork-truck.org.uk, email mail@fork-truck.org.uk or call the FLTA office on 01256 381441.
Safety matters
Supporting and promoting safety in the workplace is a key aim of the FLTA – and the annual FLTA Awards for Excellence. The Awards are a highly effective way of rewarding and encouraging those who strive for higher and higher standards in the materials handling industry. Everyone whose work involves materials handling or fork lift trucks stands to benefit from this constant improvement.
To encourage developments within this field the FLTA now offers two Archies. The Safe Site Award, now in its second year, is presented to a company or organisation that has made a great effort – with demonstrable results – to improve safety within its own workplace. For Awards 2009 six outstanding nominations have been received – from which a winner will be selected by the Board of the FLTA.
To ensure that the most deserving products and services win the Awards, it is essential that the winners should truly reflect the opinions of those who work in the industry. For that reason, anyone working within materials handling or with fork lift trucks may vote for the Safety Award which is presented to a product or service which enhances safety.
To find out more about the Awards finalists, to vote in the Environment, Ergonomics, and Innovation categories, or to book tickets to an Oscars-style ceremony on 14th February 2009, visit the FLTA website – www.fork-truck.org.uk.
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