The Fork Lift Truck Association, much like our industry, has benefited from increased confidence: going from strength to strength over the past 12 months.
At the Awards for Excellence in February, we received a record number of entries. Big product category winners on the night included Practical Warehouse Solutions for its StockSafe pallet stacking frame (Environment), Combilift for its Rotating Operator Console (Ergonomics), Linde for its electronic Safety Pilot (Safety) and Translift Bendi for its B310 OP Order Picker (Innovation)… each having triumphed in a record-breaking online public vote.
G’s Fresh Beetroot was named “Safe Site”, in recognition of significant improvements to fork lift truck safety on site, as well as the firm’s ongoing focus on pedestrian safety. This year’s shortlist was so impressive that – in a break from tradition – we commended each and every one. Our illustrious eight sites include: Babcock International, Dailycer UK, Heineken Hereford, Metsä Wood UK, NHS National Services Scotland, Nestlé UK, Preston Technical and Tulip.
Safe operations were promoted throughout the year, via our Safe Site Programme – our most ambitious safety initiative yet. Developed especially for fork lift truck users, it provides a step-by-step safety programme which any company – regardless of size – can implement.
September saw the launch of Safetember, a month-long safety campaign designed to help companies operating fork lift trucks to put safety at the top of their agenda. One of the main focal points was a new online Attitude and Behaviour Test produced in conjunction with Mentor FLT Training.
During the short assessment, participants were asked questions about their approach to safety using video scenarios as case studies.
The highlight of the month was, as ever, our award-winning National Fork Truck Safety Conference. Now CPDaccredited, the event aimed to end the culture of silence at the root of many accidents. As well as promoting leadership and ownership of safety, the peer-to-peer learning event introduced delegates to simple and practical techniques which make sites safer.
This year’s theme – 360-degree Safety – reflected the holistic approach we’re encouraging fork lift truck users to take when it comes to safe operations. Total engagement is essential – from the boardroom right through to operators and colleagues on foot.
In October, we launched our new Fork Truck Watchdog scheme. Set up to protect the interests of businesses buying new or used trucks, it works to identify and eradicate rogue traders operating at standards below those that our industry warrants. On the FLTA website, www.forktruck. org.uk, you can find full details of how it works – including how to register a complaint.
As we near the end of the year, our thoughts are firmly on 2016. Plans are already underway for a year of events and activities, including IMHX, where we are looking forward to welcoming and visiting our Members.
FLTA Membership
420 (Full, associate and Safe User Group)
FLTA Events in 2016
FLTA Awards for Excellence 2016 at the International Centre,Telford on27th February 2016.
National Fork Truck Safety Conference at the Heart of England Conference & Events Centre on 29th June.
Safetember: National Fork Lift Truck Safety Month, nationwide betwenn 1st – 30th September.
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