Capacity audience joins thought leaders in an on-site forklift safety journey… for good

A capacity audience of safety managers and industry specialists participated in what was widely acclaimed as the most informing and engaging in the 17-year history of the National Fork Lift Safety Convention.

Reflecting the conference theme Forklift safety – it’s a journey, not a destination, delegates were urged to use leading rather than lagging indicators to constantly monitor and improve operations.

Leading off a programme of high calibre presentations was thought-leading behavioural psychologist Dr Tim Marsh. As part of a wide-ranging and provocative talk Dr Marsh used audience participation to demonstrate that – like forklift operators – we all routinely do things with potentially disastrous consequences.
The keynote address was provided by Kanwal Kanda, Head of Transportation at the HSE who, having shared a series of startling statistics for prosecutions, added starkly “… but It’s not about the fines or their size – it’s about the impact on an individual and all those they leave behind.”

That life-changing nature of an accident was brought vividly to life by FLTA Safety Ambassador Lisa Ramos who, more than a decade ago, was run over by a forklift and lost her left leg. She told a hushed audience of the aftermath: near-constant pain in her amputated limb and a son so traumatised that he still endures significant mental health issues.

The first in a fascinating series of case studies came from Safer Site Award winner Reece Cherry who, in urging for constant vigilance, stressed the need for high impact : low cost solutions. That message was taken up by Barry Williams of Travis Perkins and Eddie Grime of the Vita Group. They explained what game-changing safety measures they had taken to improve their sites and called for mutually respectful and trusting environments: “bringing people with you: whooping and clapping, not kicking and screaming”.

Sponsored by Toyota Material Handling and partnered by Mentor LFT Training, the Convention also offered delegates the opportunity for delegates to view an excellent line up of safety products and services from fourteen selected suppliers.

Visit www.fork-truck.org.uk today to discover why it’s safer to work with a Member and to find Members in your area.