Deadliest year ever?
September 1st 2009 Statistics suggest 2009 could become the
worst year on record for fork lift truck-related
fatalities – unless decisive action is taken.
FLTA Chief Executive David Ellison explains
If recent trends continue, 2009 could be the UK's worst year
for fork lift truck deaths since records began. On average,
around ten UK workers per year are killed in accidents
involving fork lift trucks – and, despite improved regulation, best
practice and technology, the number seems to be increasing.
However, the creeping rise in average figure fails to tell the
whole story.
In truth, the last seven years have seen fatality rates swing
wildly year-on-year – from five up to fifteen, back down to eight,
up to twelve… and so forth. Each relatively 'good' year is
followed by a spate of accidents, and back again.
Perhaps publicity from one year's fatalities encourages workers
to be more careful, or people become complacent after a safer
year. The reasons for the pattern are unclear.
One thing we do know is that last year the number of deaths only dropped from fourteen to ten: the first time a "low" year in
sequence has stayed in double figures.
Now, if the accidents stick to the trend, this year could see that
figure double – taking the death toll past 20 for the first time.
Worse, the current financial pressure – tempting managers to
cut corners on training, maintenance, procedures and staffing –
could make matters even more serious.
Clearly, it has never been more important to be extremely
careful when working with fork lift trucks – whether as an
operator, or a colleague on foot.
Please, take the opportunity of National Fork Lift Safety Week
to spread the word to friends and colleagues. Make the most of
the free safety resources at www.fork-lift.org.uk... Please – truck
operators and pedestrians: Look
out for each other.
"A split second later the truck hit me."
Gordon Rose was just 21 and working in a Wearside factory when a
two-tonne fork lift truck smashed into him.
The accident left him requiring seven major operations, hospitalbound
for almost five months and unable to work for a further seven
years.
Finally he found inspiration in helping others to avoid the same
fate. He retrained, and founded his own safety training consultancy,
Rose Health and Safety Training Ltd.
Now the FLTA has approached Gordon to become an ambassador
for fork lift truck safety, telling his story to raise awareness of the need
for caution around the vehicles… and the potential repercussions of
ignoring it.
This Safety Week, Gordon will be telling his story in full in press
and in interviews, hoping to help prevent another tragedy like his.
Gordon says: "I was wearing ear-defenders, so my only warning
was the horror on my co-workers' faces – a split-second later, the truck
hit me.
"In that one moment, my life and my plans for the future were
completely swept away. I couldn't see my newborn son for the entire
time I was in hospital, and have never been able to play football with
either of my children.
"It hasn't only affected me, either: I suffered post-traumatic stress,
and still need up to a dozen painkillers each day; these can lead to
lethargy and tiredness, which can be difficult for my family, even
though they are incredibly supportive.
"The fork lift driver, who was a friend, still suffers with enormous
guilt today. It was a disaster for everybody involved.
"I just hope that now, working with the FLTA, we can all prevent
this happening to anybody else just by underlining the importance of
taking sensible precaution around fork lift trucks."
David Ellison adds: "Since Gordon's accident, safety regulations
have been introduced that should prevent similar accidents occurring
– but still they happen quite literally every day.
"Our mission is to remind people just how important it is to be
vigilant wherever fork lift trucks are working – and Gordon is bravely
helping us to get a little closer to that goal." More articles from The Fork Lift Truck Association: | 
