At the Fork Lift Truck Association (FLTA) Safety Conference in September 2012, it was revealed that fork lift truck accidents are once again on the rise. Delegates heard that “Latest figures from the HSE reveal a 4% increase in serious fork lift accidents in 2010/2011, following a two year decline in accidents requiring hospitalisation.”
During the conference, ALEM member Thorworld Industries picked up on this theme by highlighting the importance of safety in the loading and unloading area. Mark James, Thorworld’s Health & Safety Manager, used his address to outline key hazards, suggest solutions and advise on relevant and applicable standards and directives for loading and unloading equipment.
“The vehicle loading and unloading area is potentially one of the most hazardous areas in any company, warehouse or distribution centre,” explains Mark James. “Without a robust safety strategy, this area is an accident waiting to happen.”
Martin Paynter, Managing Director of ALEM member company Stertil UK, is keen to stress that regular maintenance of loading bay equipment is vital to ensure safe and efficient operation. “In fact,” he says. “A proper maintenance programme makes legal as well as business sense.”
Maintenance is an easy target when cost-cutting. You need to find a reasonably-priced maintenance contractor who will ensure compliance with all the necessary legislation – but how? A list of ALEM members will offer many options for suppliers who match these requirements.
Paul Addis, Managing Director of ALEM member Ratcliff Palfinger has a particular interest in highlighting the impact of design, use and maintenance on the safety of tail lifts. He says, “It’s easy to criticise the over-zealous application of Health and Safety regulations but when an accident does occur, the cost to the transport company is substantial – and the distress to the injured party and the family may be devastating.”
ALEM, directly, and via its representation on the BSI standards committee for lifting equipment MHE/12, makes representations to the UK authorities and Brussels to ensure that the requirements in the European Directive for Machine Safety are proportionate to the risks. This Directive has been encompassed in the laws of the Member States – including, of course, the UK. In the case of tail lifts, the relevant law is the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations.
It’s one of ALEM’s stated aims to make both the industry and the end-user aware of how to comply with legislation and members must themselves be committed to complying with all relevant European Standards, the UK Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations and CE marking. In return for this commitment, the Association offers support, technical expertise and an unrivalled position within the industry, both in Europe and at home. All of which makes ALEM the best place to start to ensure the ongoing safety of your loading bay equipment.
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