MHW Magazine News and stories from the Materials Handling Industry
National safety conference will focus on new HSE Management Standards for fork lift trucks
From the biggest company to the smallest, ensuring the safety of all employees has become a critical business issue. Even if no accident occurs, falling foul of the law could be enough to deal a company a heavy — even fatal —blow. This is especially important when using large, potentially dangerous machinery, like fork lift trucks.
Unfortunately, throughout the materials handling industry, busy operators say they're increasingly confused by changes to regulations, methods and equipment affecting safety in the workplace – and that it's taking more time than ever to ensure their operation is as safe and possible, and fully within the law.
Now, the Fork Lift Truck Association has noted another important change on the horizon, as the Health and Safety Executive intends to introduce new Management Standards for the operation of Workplace Transport. This significant development has implications for all who operate fork lift trucks, and the Association has therefore adopted this initiative as the key theme for its 2006 Safety Conference.
The conference takes place on Tuesday 19th September at Warwick University, and is described by organisers the Fork Lift Truck Association as a “must-attend” event for every user of materials handling equipment.
A packed programme of sessions will give relevant, up-to-the-minute advice on a whole range of key issues, helping operators to grasp what current safety regulations really mean for them. The conference will also show users how some of the latest technology may help them stay safe and within the law.
The Keynote speaker will be Colin Chatten of the Health & Safety Executive Workplace Transport Team. He will explain what the HSE's proposed Management Standards might have in store for individual firms. Next, Ciaran McMenamin of Finning UK will spell out the legal position: could you be held accountable for the safety of employees and the general public, should something go wrong with your materials handling operations?
FLTA Chief Executive David Ellison commented: “The laws and technology which affect safety at work are always changing, so it's absolutely vital for operators to update themselves regularly. The Safety Conference puts the latest information on a plate, covering five of the most important issues in a single day; ideal for busy people who don't have time to do all the research themselves.
“It's an exciting programme, packed with new topics and innovations – and of course how better to find out what the new HSE proposals might actually mean than straight 'from the horse's mouth', while the consultation is still going on?”
Other sessions include minimising the risks from overloading, making the most of new technical advances and assessing your fork lift truck operators – plus a chance to be inspired by the Safety finalists from this year's FLTA awards, who'll explain how their innovations can impact the workplace, now and in years to come.
Once again, the conference is sponsored by STILL Materials Handling. Sales & Marketing Director Tony Hall explained: “STILL has always stood for innovation and making sensible use of technology to make a significant difference – whether in safety, efficiency or performance. We're therefore proud to support this year's Safety Conference, and delighted to help current and future customers stay safe, well informed, and within the law.”
All-inclusive tickets for the conference (covering VAT, morning coffee, lunch, tea and a pack containing handouts for all sessions) are available now at just £87.50 for members of the FLTA or its Safe User Group and £115.00 for non-members.
For further details and a booking form, see the FLTA website www.fork-truck.org.uk, or call Tricia at the FLTA office on 01256 381441 or by faxing 01245 381735.
