A holy trinity
August 1st 2005 H&SS group editor, Ian Clay, attended the FLTA Safety Conference held at the end of June and here summarises some of the key messages This June saw the third annual National Fork Lift Safety Conference, organised by the Fork Lift Truck Association, at Warwick University. As FLTA chief executive David Ellison said “Our programme dealt with a range of issues faced in the workplace. Our inspiration was the difficulties alerted to us by end users.
As the first port of call for anyone seeking advice on forklift safety, the Association is regularly contacted by companies and organisations of all types. This places us in a very good position to gather end users’ views. More specifically, we work closely with over 120 of them who have joined the FLTA Safe User Group.” The aim of the sessions was not just to interest and entertain but it was focused on giving delegates practical information that allows them to start implementing improved safety measures immediately. To this end the day was split into two halves, with the afternoon being devoted entirely to issues of training. Some of the most interesting information in the morning sessions was delivered by Steve Shaw and Rachel Corbidge of the HSE safety unit.
In a presentation entitled ‘The Work of Health and Safety Inspectors’ Steve Shaw outlined the regulations that apply to Fork Lift Trucks (FLTs). These are: Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER); Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER); Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992; Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999; Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
Steve made the point that regulation 5 of PUWER (maintenance) is often confused with regulation 9 of LOLER (Thorough Examination and Inspection). Steve defined Approved Codes of Practice (ACOPS).
ACOPS give practical examples of good practice; advice on how to comply with the law; guide to what is ‘reasonably practicable’ and have special legal status.
Workplace transport The second presentation entitled Workplace Transport (WT) – Safe use of FLTs was by Rachel Corbidge, also of the HSE Safety Unit. Rachel began her presentation with some sobering statistics: WT is the 2nd biggest cause of fatalities; that 75% of all WT fatalities are due to ‘being struck by a moving vehicle’; Forklift trucks account for approx. 25% of all WT major injuries to employees; WT is a priority topic for the HSE who have committed to reducing fatal and major WT injuries by 10% by 2010.
In order to address the problems facing WT Rachel introduced simple Risk Control Indicators (RCIs): Safe Driver; Safe Site; Safe Vehicle. Rachel’s argument was that if all three of these indicators are managed properly then a facility will become a great deal safer for all its users. Under the Safe Site RCIs Rachel highlighted: Well defined traffic routes – free from obstruction; firm and even surfaces; every effort made to separate pedestrians from vehicles; pedestrian crossing points; effective oneway system for HGVs.
The unloading of vehicles was highlighted as being a particular risk – with danger being presented by moving vehicles, falls from vehicles (people/load) and other risks such as manual handling.
Simple site rules on (un)loading were a priority and (un)loading on road/pavement was to be avoided if at all possible.
Deliveries were also seen as an area requiring attention. The law requires cooperation between duty holders, ie.
suppliers, carriers, recipients. It was suggested that all parties should exchange safety information as a normal part of the business transaction – perhaps embedded into an email. Feedback from delivery drivers suggests that they feel isolated when approaching a delivery site and that if they knew in advance the safety procedures/layout of the site then it would improve their confidence. There is ‘Delivering Safety’ guidance on the HSE website and as Rachel was forceful in saying “It is not OK to do nothing.” The Safe Vehicle RCIs should be pretty familiar as they were touched upon in Steve Shaw’s presentation. A truck must be maintained effectively under PUWER and have received a Thorough Inspection under LOLER. It should also have seatbelts fitted and reversing aids fitted where appropriate.
One aspect of a Safe Vehicle that Rachel highlighted was proper specification of FLTs. If obscured vision is a potential problem then there are many other types of forklift that could be specified. Discussing applications with the FLTA or a manufacturer is always advisable.
The final element in our RCI Venn diagram is a Safe Driver. Forklift drivers must be trained according with ACOPS. This is similar to other types of WT. An important point is that those using any type of WT must be actively supervised. Ask yourself: Are people following our rules; and if not why not? Are the rules workable? Is more training needed? All this information relates to conducting a thorough risk assessment. Look at what is happening, ask questions of those involved, aim for continuous improvement on a priority basis. Issue site rules to all that need them.
If all three RCIs are adhered to then the safety of a particular facility should improve markedly.
• The next National Safety Conference will take place on Tuesday 19 September 2006. For more information please contact the FLTA on: 01256 381441 More articles from The Fork Truck Association: | 
