Free high visibility vest to boost forklift hire safety from Briggs Equipment

In a further effort to improve forklift safety, Briggs Equipment UK Ltd is giving away high visibility vests to its short-term hire (STH) customers.

The Cannock-based firm has been at the forefront of industry efforts to cut the number of accidents involving forklift trucks and other material handling equipment.

According to figures compiled by the Fork Lift Truck Association as part of its National Forklift Safety Week campaign, such accidents claimed the lives of five workers in the UK last year, and left almost 400 people with serious injuries.

Although the numbers have fallen by almost two thirds over the last three years, Briggs believes much more needs to be done to create even safer working environments.

Allan Parsons, Asset Manager for Briggs Equipment, explained: "Although our trucks have an excellent safety record, we are never complacent. We are always looking at ways to further reduce the risk of accidents, which have an impact on everyone from the victim and their co-workers to the company involved and the industry as a whole."

The company’s latest safety initiative will see Briggs sending out a free fluorescent vest with every new hire from its state-of-the-art STH fleet of Yale trucks.

Allan continued: "STH trucks tend to be used by occasional or temporary drivers in an environment they may not be familiar with. In these situations there is the possibility that correct personal protective equipment (PPE) may not be available.

"If, by providing an extra high-visibility vest, we can prevent just one accident then our investment will have been worthwhile," he added.