Reducing the Carnage Caused by Mechanical Handling in the Freight and Logistics Supply Chain

UK – Everybody in the freight and logistics environment knows the dangers of working using mechanical handling equipment and the University of Warwick will be the setting for this year’s Fork Lift Truck Association (FLTA) annual conference on 24 September 2014 and a first-ever Safety Conference Practical Safety Panel will feature in a Q&A session. This will see discussions with a group of experts representing a wide-range of perspectives and practical experiences relating to fork lift truck operations, which further emphasises the FLTA’s belief in the real-world benefits of learning from the experiences of others when it comes to improving fork lift safety.

The primary aim of this year’s national fork truck safety conference is to present proven, real-world methods that will empower all employees to share responsibility for fork lift safety in a no-blame environment. Key to this will be a series of case-history sessions led by companies who have successfully implemented change in the workplace and are prepared to share their experiences and insights.

With the support of sponsor Briggs Equipment, the conference has the defining theme: ‘Is there a killer in the warehouse? Five real-world ways to transform fork truck safety'. Chaired by SHD Logistics editor Peter MacLeod, panel members will include: Solicitor Harjinder Kandola, Martin Banasik (Allianz), Rob Johnston (TUC), Shaun Pendergast (CFTS), Andy Cartwright (Mentor Training). FLTA Chief Executive Peter Harvey said:

“Every member of our panel has been hand-picked to ensure that we provide this year’s delegates with practical safety advice – from every angle. They say experience is the best teacher, but, when it comes to fork lift truck safety, it is far more efficient (and safer) to learn from the experiences of others. Every one of our speakers has experienced the path to establishing and maintaining safe operations.

“Although their operations may be different from yours, they will certainly have encountered and dealt with many of the same obstacles facing your operations [and] it is our hope that delegates at this year’s Conference use all of these experiences as a starting point which will accelerate the progress of their safety endeavours back on site in the weeks, months and years that follow.”

Since its foundation in 1972, the FLTA has observed and supported thousands of fork lift truck users and the companies and organisations who work with them to improve fork lift truck safety, saving countless lives and limbs in the process. Tying in closely with the Safety Conference theme, there is also a Safety Week which runs from 22 to 28 September 2014 which will be the focal point of an on-going campaign to keep this all-important issue at the forefront of everyone’s minds.

With accident statistics confirming that it’s the same issues that are responsible for almost every workplace accident and death, the FLTA will use the powerful ‘Killer’ message and a variety of interactive resources to engage with everyone who works on or around a fork lift truck. To register your interest in either event, or to sign up for materials, click here or phone 01635 277577.