Exercises. Threats. Alerts. When you’re working in a war zone, there’s never a moment you’re unware of the potential danger all around you… and for good reason, too, as war veteran Stewart Hill will discuss at the National Forklift Safety Convention in October.
Drawing on lessons gained from the battlefield in Afghanistan, Stewart will look at the danger of complacency and will underline the importance of good leadership.
He explains: “Out in the battlefield, with physical and psychological pressures high, the quality of your leadership can determine whether people live or die.
“You quickly learn that – to stay alive – you need to keep doing the right things that keep you safe. The moment you stop doing that, disasters can befall you… as I learned the hard way.”
Stewart first began working with the Fork Lift Truck Association in 2016 and was shocked to learn that approximately 1300 people suffer life-changing injuries as a result of lift truck accidents each year. And in just the space of five months in 2017, four people were killed.
But is it a war zone? A quick glance at the casualties of war speaks volumes. At the height of the conflict in Afghanistan, where Stewart was among approximately 140,000 deployed, UK Armed Forces suffered 32 fatalities and 68 three-day-plus injuries in a single year.
He adds: “And, worryingly, there’s no significant evidence of improvement in recent years.”
At the National Forklift Safety Convention, which is sponsored by Toyota Material Handling, Stewart will look at the clear, significant danger for those working on the ‘front line’ in the warehouse… and identify what managers and supervisors can do to minimise its impact.
Hear Stewart’s story
Stewart is just one in an exciting line-up of expert speakers in the event which is produced in association with SHD Logistics.
From industry insights to invaluable real-life case studies, motivational speakers to expert Q & As, networking opportunities to CPD accreditation, each year the Convention delivers content that’s engaging, educational and – above all else, excellent value for money.
Organised by the Fork Lift Truck Association, the award-winning event will take place on Wednesday 3rd October 2018 at the Heart of England Events and Conference Centre.
Safety Convention 2018 will also see the return of the annual exhibition of relevant products and services which, by popular demand, will be bigger than last year.
Tickets are priced at £130 for Members and £180 for Non-Members.
Secure your place today by visiting www.fork-truck.org.uk or calling 01635 277577