National Forklift Safety Week 2014
In any industry that uses potentially hazardous equipment, safety is an on-going concern, and forklift use clearly falls into this bracket. With constant threats present to both operators and pedestrians in the area, it’s no surprise that the forklift industry is heavily regulated to improve safety and avoid injury.
It’s with this in mind that the Fork Lift Truck Association (FLTA), one of the leading industry bodies in the UK, first introduced National Fork Lift Safety Week back in 2008. The event was created as a way to put forklift safety at the forefront of the public consciousness, and the 6th annual edition is just around the corner…
What is it?
The FLTA work on behalf of the forklift owners and operators, providing a centralised place to find all relevant legislation and advice regarding the vehicles. They set up the National Fork Lift Safety Week six years ago in order to raise awareness for increased safety and efficiency, and the event returns in just a few weeks with this year’s theme: There’s a Killer in Your Warehouse.
The association highlights statistics that suggest that all workplace accidents are caused by only a few simple, essential safety procedures being neglected. This forms the basis behind the Killer in Your Warehouse theme.
When is it?
This year, National Fork Lift Safety Week is 22-28th September. This is for a reason: forklift injuries and fatalities increase significantly during this month, perhaps due to the influx of new staff or apprentices after the summer.
Who is it for?
Fundamentally, the week is aimed at anyone directly involved in the operation of forklift trucks. However, there is a specific focus on managers, employers and directors who hold the responsibility for health and safety measures in their working environment.
Constant updates to new developments, safety measures and legislation are vital to maintaining best practice, and the Safety Week helps those in charge of implementing these procedures do so in the most efficient and effective manner.
What is involved?
The Safety Week will contain a number of events designed to raise awareness for those operating in and around forklifts, and those involved with forklift safety and inspection. The centrepiece will be the National Forklift Safety Conference, held in the middle of the week on the 24th September.
Here, speakers from the forklift world will address attendees at Warwick University in what promises to be the largest event yet. A keynote from Philip White, a Director of the HSE’s Cross-Cutting Intervention Directorate, will be among the highlights, while other leading players in the industry will present findings on their research into improving safety and efficiency.
The Practical Safety Panel, an open forum, will see figures from all sectors related to forklift safety (legal workers, HSE and TUC representatives, technicians, insurance professionals etc.) answer questions from anyone looking to join in the debate.
East Midlands Forklifts are the region’s leading providers of forklifts for sale or hire, with services to suit all needs. Our lift trucks and parts are available to customers throughout Loughborough, Nottingham, Derby, Leicester and beyond, and our expert team are on hand to carry out all servicing, repairs and thorough examinations at businesses across the East Midlands.