That many in the material handling industry are looking forward to 2021 with optimism, despite the continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the UK’s break from the EU, is testament to just how challenging 2020 proved. Yet there are still important lessons to be drawn from what has happened and these will help to shape the near future.
President at BITA
Managing the pandemic proved a difficult task for the logistics industry but without the support of everyone connected with the material handling sector things would have been a lot worse. Often going above and beyond what would normally be expected, manufacturers and their teams ensured that despite supply chain strain, essential services were maintained, and supermarket shelves were kept stocked with the food and basic items all of us needed to endure lockdown.
Throughout the crisis, BITA stood ready to help, offering additional support to an industry placed under the severest of pressure. It reacted quickly by firstly producing, and then updating, a series of data sheets correctly identifying safe working practices during the pandemic. The move was recognised by the UK Government, which included BITA on the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy’s (BEIS) listing of trade bodies providing coronavirus-related support for their individual sectors.
The prompt action ensured that LOLER Thorough Examination (TE), promoted by CFTS (which is jointly owned by BITA and the FLTA), continued almost without interruption throughout the pandemic. TE, along with operator training, remain the bedrock of safe operation for all varieties of industrial truck and BITA will continue to review these practices as required during 2021 to ensure the material handling industry continues to operate safely.
Practical but effective safety information was core throughout BITA’s 2020 campaigns, highlighted by National Forklift Safety Day (NFSD), which although delivered virtually due to lockdown saw widespread industry engagement. This year’s message focussed on pedestrian and co-worker safety around industrial trucks and a dedicated NFSD website has been created where all the material is freely accessible. The safety campaign will continue in June 2021 with a different, but still important safety message.
The theme of keeping the industry safe continued as BITA collaborated with fellow trade association, the FLTA, on its autumn Safety Drive campaign. Together, the two associations are committed to raising industry standards.
But the speed of the industry’s recovery from the pandemic will depend on its response to the UK’s split from the EU. As we emerge from the transition period into the brave new world outside the single market, companies must have robust strategies in place for their businesses.
Concerns persist about the lack of preparedness amongst many firms, but this cannot be allowed to continue; businesses need to act quickly and decisively if they are to thrive. To reflect new arrangements and the transition from CE marking to UKCA marking which will occur during 2021, BITA has published guidance on placing product on the UK market highlighting key relevant points from the Government’s own information. Instructions for producers, importers and distributors are covered by the General Product Safety Regulations, and this also confirms the ‘presumption of conformity’ will persist where national standards designated by the Secretary of State are followed. The guidance to the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations includes details on the obligations of ‘responsible persons’ and ‘authorised representatives’, who will have to be established in the UK from the end of 2020.
The requirements in Great Britain for EMC, ATEX, Electrical Equipment, Outdoor Noise and Radio Equipment will also be separated from Europe, and in principle, only a UK body can carry out assessments in support of the UKCA mark and only an EU body can carry out assessments in support of the CE mark.
Boarder movements involving the EU will now require customs declarations, and, whilst Northern Ireland may be in an advantageous position, the arrangements there require unique consideration.
Where uncertainties exist over new arrangements, a close relationship with the trade associations for your industry is more important than ever.
BITA not only provides a forum for discussion of topics such as rules for placement on the market, certification and trade agreements, it also has an important role interpreting legislation and Government advice. International connections offered through trade associations such as BITA facilitate market access, mutual understanding and common, standardised solutions. These help ensure product compliance and safety.
Even as the UK sets out to increases focus on international markets, BITA believes its European connections, including through membership of the European materials handling federation, FEM, and representation at the European standards organisation, CEN, provide an increasingly valuable bridge between the two markets.
BITA
01344 623800
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