Fork Lift Truck Association reveals Safety Conference programme

Announcing the programme for this year’s National Fork Lift Truck Safety Conference, Top to Bottom Safety: Shelf Stacker to CEO, Every Contribution Counts, the Fork Lift Truck Association (FLTA) has urged industry leaders to re-think their organisational approach to safety to achieve "true safety excellence".

The one-day event, sponsored by Briggs Equipment UK, will take place at Warwick University on Wednesday 25th September.
FLTA Chief Executive Peter Harvey said: "Every business’ structure is different, but we often find that safety is viewed as something management does to or for employees… and their organisations.

"While operators must be trained and managers and supervisors must be committed to safety, true safety excellence is only possible when every individual in an organisation is fully aware of the key issues and actively involved in the process of reducing risk.

"Involving everyone ensures that, over time, systems for improving safety will evolve and be driven forward by input at every level. Achieving full participation and complete transparency in all aspects of safety should be part of every company’s culture.

"This message will be played out in a number of really fascinating and practical sessions, none more so than the case study being presented by Babcock Marine, who will share how they brought together more than 500 staff to deliver safety improvements – including a set of safety standards, created by the very drivers responsible for complying with them."

The Safety Conference’s international panel of experts will share new research findings, case studies and practical, relevant advice, ensuring delegates will leave with the tools they need to reduce operating risks back at home.

Programme highlights include:
Approved Code of Practice and Guidance (L117) Update
Andrew Wetters, HSE Team Leader Workplace Transport (Policy), will lead delegates through the revised guidance and ACOP update (L117): Rider-operated lift trucks – Operator training and safe use. Released earlier this year, this latest edition incorporates some of the guidance from Safety in Working with Lift Trucks (HSG6), such as how to protect pedestrians, Thorough Examinations and maintenance.

FLT accident research
HSL engineer Nina Day will report on recently published research relevant to fork lift truck operations. As well as discussing driver safety and impact testing to side and rear, she’ll share details of a current project looking into the benefits of reversing aids.
Management and Supervision
Management and Supervision of Fork Lift Operations

Stuart Taylor of Mentor FLT Training will look at the important role supervisors and managers play in managing risk. Reflecting best practice from other industries, with a focus on training, he will talk delegates through the simple and practical steps that can be taken to minimise risk throughout a site.

Training
Continuing on the subject of training, Lech Kluk, Techincal Director of the Association of Industrial Truck Trainers (AITT) will update delegates on the role of the Accrediting Bodies and will give a hint of what can be expected from them in the near future. Importantly, he will explain exactly how this will affect fork lift truck users.

Case Study: Employment Engagement
Mark Jackson of Babcock Marine, winners of the FLTA Safe Site 2013 Award,
will share how his team brought together more than 500 staff to deliver safety improvements – including a set of safety standards, created by the very drivers responsible for complying with them.

Safety Issues in the Italian Fork Lift Truck Industry
Looking to best practice abroad, Giacomo Mezzera of Cy.pag will lead delegates in a session which will look at the Italian fork lift truck sector. He will provide a snapshot of the industry: from guidelines and current legislation to common safety issues. He will also share trends and improvements among employers there.

MHE Fleet Management
In this open discussion, Alexander Glasmacher, Managing Director of ID Systems, will introduce delegates to the current market offerings for fleet management systems, explain their advantages and offer guidance on choosing the right one for your application.

Be Safe!
Drawing on real-world examples, Gavin Wickham, Operations Director of Briggs Equipment UK will look at the importance of safeguarding staff working with and
alongside fork lift trucks and the steps employers should take to prevent accidents at their sites.

Loading Bay Safety
Bringing together fork lift trucks, lorries, vans and people, loading and unloading areas consistently top of the list of the most hazardous workplaces.

Rob Fay, MD of Easilift Loading Systems will identify the hazards associated with these operations and will give advice on the steps you can take to reduce the risks.

The Conference will be held in the Ramphal Building at Warwick University on Wednesday 25th September 2013. The Conference will start promptly at 10.00 am and close by 4.00 pm.

Tickets for the event are priced at £88.00 (inc. VAT) for members of the FLTA or its Safe User Group and £120.00 (inc. VAT) for non-members. The price includes lunch, refreshments and documentation. For further details visit the FLTA website www.fork-truck.org.uk, email accounts@fork-truck.org.uk or call the FLTA office on 01635 277577.