5 people hospitalised with life-changing forklift injuries every day
Despite stringent legislation in the UK, serious injuries resulting from forklifts are still common.
Speaking at the Safer Logistics Zone, part of The Health & Safety Event at the NEC, Peter Harvey, CEO of the Fork Lift Truck Association, and Stuart Taylor, MD of Mentor Training, explained how training and pedestrian segregation play key roles in promoting forklift safety.
Segregation is the most obvious and effective answer, Peter explains. The pedestrian is most at risk from forklifts and if they operate in separate zones, the danger is largely removed.
However, that is not always possible, meaning solutions and techniques must be applied for keeping pedestrians safe while working with forklifts.
One campaign pioneered by Mentor Training is ‘Show your hand’.
“There’s clearly still plenty of work to be done to prevent avoidable injuries,” explains Mentor FLT Training managing director Stuart Taylor. “It’s vital that your drivers and their colleagues are aware of the dangers of being in close proximity and understand how to work together safely.
Mentor believe a big part of the problem is the absence of a standardised approach to interactions and that’s where their campaign comes in.
“We’re asking forklift operators nationwide to raise a hand to colleagues on foot if they come too close to their trucks, to indicate that they should stop. If they fail to do so, the driver should stop their truck, to limit the risk of an accident and a potential serious injury.
“Whether you’re working on or around forklifts, it’s crucial that you never assume you’re seen or that your colleague will move out of your way. By using our simple safety message and staying alert, you can eliminate any assumptions and take responsibility for your own safety.”
