At this year’s National Fork Lift Safety Conference, Stuart Taylor from Mentor Training will warn that the economic upturn could prompt a surge in major accidents.
Although the connection between recession and accidents is clear, Stuart will explain that the recovery also poses a significant risk.
“Whenever the economy shifts – up or down – there’s a knock-on effect on fork lift truck safety”, says Stuart.
“Businesses can’t afford to be complacent when the recovery comes: it could be the most dangerous time of all.
“While workloads are increasing, confidence tends to lag behind. Until employers are sure the recovery’s here to stay, they’re understandably reluctant to expand their teams, or invest in new equipment and skills.
“For workers, that means longer hours, at higher intensity, under more pressure – until, inevitably, they start to make mistakes,” says Stuart.
In particular, management and supervisor training could prove decisive in determining the safety impact of increasing throughput at materials handling sites.
Stuart says: “Managers set the standards, and need the knowledge to spot when risks are being taken – and take action. So training someone who supervises fork lift truck operations is probably the single most effective thing a company can do to protect its workers – and its business – from accidents.
“The latest version of the HSE’s L117 Approved Code of Practice confirms that management safety training is compulsory. Combine that with lower damage and improvements to efficiency, reputation and morale, and it’s a compelling case.”
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