Companies struggling in the face of recession must be careful not to sacrifice fork lift truck safety… or face potentially the worst year on record for serious accidents.
This is the stark warning issued today by industry authority the Fork Lift Truck Association, as it prepares for its National Fork Lift Safety Conference.
Tough times in the materials handling industry have seen some firms under pressure to cut budgets, with spending on training, safety materials and vital preventative maintenance reportedly coming under close scrutiny.
Meanwhile, the need to reduce costs could see companies attempting to complete the same work with fewer staff – increasing workload pressures on warehouse staff and potentially leading to dangerous mistakes.
However, with statistics suggesting 2009 could already be a bleak year for safety – and September the worst month of all – the Association is warning against a short-sighted approach.
“Of course firms have to cut their cloth at times like these,” says FLTA Chief Executive David Ellison, “But the moment you get to a point where you’re not aware of new regulations or best practice, your trucks fall outside a manufacturer’s recommendations for servicing, or people aren’t getting training they really need, then you’re asking for trouble of the most serious kind.
“It’s especially serious as the figures hint we could be due for a bad year for fork lift truck fatalities anyway – and with September usually the industry’s deadliest month, right now is the key time to take action.
“Typically, two or even three UK workers could die – and over 40 more suffer very serious injuries – this September alone, as a result of fork lift truck accidents.
“If one of those turns out to be at your workplace – a colleague, a friend, or even yourself – then what price Safety?”
Take action now
To help firms escape this nightmare scenario, the FLTA is offering a number of no, and low-cost safety improvement measures.
National Fork Lift Safety Week returns from 21st-27th September, and throughout September the FLTA is offering free safety resources like posters and DVDs at its website www.fork-truck.org.uk – to help companies make the most of this important chance to improve safety awareness.
Tickets are still available for The National Fork Lift Truck Safety Conference at Warwick University on Wednesday 30th September. This is a great opportunity for fork lift managers to spend an inexpensive, safety-focused day… and return home with an armful of practical hints and tips to improve safety straight away.
The FLTA Safe User Group is specially designed to help firms of all sizes keep up-to-date with the latest safety developments, rules and guidance. It offers simple, effective advice in plain English… and, best of all, there’s 50% off the joining fee during September.
David Ellison says: “We’re here to help companies who want to take practical, common-sense and above all cost-effective steps to make sure they can save money without putting their employees at risk.”
For more information on Safety Week, the Safety Conference or the Safe User Group, contact the Fork Lift Truck Association at mail@fork-truck.org.uk, 01256 381441 or see www.fork-truck.org.uk.
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