To broaden the discussion and develop an understanding of best practice methods and safety procedures in other European countries, Giacomo Mezzera of Cy.pag in Northern Italy will lead delegates in a session which will look closely at the Italian fork lift truck sector.
Giacomo will provide a snapshot of the industry: from guidelines and current legislation to common safety issues faced by workers on the continent. He will share information about the trends and improvements employers are making in Italy, and also provide details of the contributions his own company makes to reduce the risk of accidents in Italian workplaces.
This session promises a fascinating insight into the state of the materials handling industry in Italy, an understanding of the mindsets that prevail in other countries, and also how safety concerns are addressed in very different ways across the Channel.
For instance, in Italy, approximately 20 workers are killed each year as a result of fork lift truck accidents. Nevertheless, despite widespread availability, fork lift trucks have never been properly examined by Italian lawmakers.
Consequently, employers typically refer to standards and best practice guidelines produced by technical committees, as well as to EU regulations (Machine Directive).
Although fork lift safety measures are seldom considered by Italian officials, employers have often been made accountable for accidents to fork lift truck operators, employees, pedestrians and visitors.
In Italian law, when the employer has not been convicted on the basis of the Criminal Code, Italian courts still recognize the company as being responsible for the health and safety of its staff.
In this way, punitive damages and compensation have been introduced by judges.
According to the Italian Ministry of Health, 20 percent of fork lift accidents involve pedestrians being struck by the truck.
Although collision avoidance systems offer a valid aid to fork lift operators, only an insignificant number of Italian companies are equipped with state-of-the-art safety devices.
Italy still has a long way to go to persuade companies’ owners to invest money in safety equipment. Despite the number of casualties, there is still a deep-seated fear of exploring new techniques, as well as of investing money to improve safety procedures.
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