Looking back over recent figures, it’s clear that site safety is a numbers game: some disturbing, some encouraging.
Chairman at CFTS
• 5000 – the number of incidents each year involving transport in the workplace (IOSH)
• 57% – of forklift-related injuries are inflicted upon pedestrians working nearby (British Safety Council)
• 94% – conviction rate achieved by HSE in cases it prosecutes (HSE)
• 20 – years ago that the leading bodies in the materials handling industry joined forces to create CFTS to deliver the first (and only) national scheme for Thorough Examination covering both LOLER and PUWER and complying fully with HSE guidelines
• 43 – number of checks carried out by CFTS-accredited examiners when inspecting a typical forklift
• 34 – number of checks carried out CFTS-accredited on non-permanent attachments
• 800+ – the number of locations nationwide where you can obtain a CFTS-accredited Thorough Examination
• 0000s – readers of Warehouse & Logistics News who could make a difference by ensuring their materials handling equipment receives a Thorough Examination from a fully accredited provider
Behind every injury statistic there is a human tragedy that affects the victim, their family and colleagues. In a great many cases the suffering lasts a lifetime. That’s why it’s so crucial for employers to make their annual inspection the best it can be.
It’s vital that handling equipment receives a regular and nationally recognised safety inspection. That means meeting the requirements not only of LOLER (lifting parts, forks, chains, etc) but also PUWER (safety systems, brakes, steering, etc).
You are responsible, not the inspector.
It isn’t simply a moral choice. There is a legal duty on the employer or equipment owner to ensure that a full Thorough Examination (covering both LOLER and PUWER) is carried out by a Competent Person (CP). Many engineers can identify dangerous faults, but a CFTS-accredited CP also understands the entire Thorough Examination process and the legal obligations that go with it. Without this knowledge they cannot be competent.
Working with an accredited provider you are assured the correct process is being followed throughout. That’s important because responsibility for ensuring the Thorough Examination has been correctly carried out lies with you as the duty holder, not with the CP.
Beware the business and inspection bodies who operate their own schemes and are not independently accredited and audited. In effect, they are simply doing their own thing and are answerable to no-one. So, in 2024 as you review your operations, look instead for the CFTS Quality Mark as your assurance of consistency and integrity.
CFTS
01344 623800
matthew@thoroughexamination.org
adrian@thoroughexamination.org
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