The PPMA 2012 exhibition has maintained its position as the UK’s processing and packaging machinery event with its 24th successful show at Birmingham’s NEC. The three-day event, which ran over the 25 – 27 September 2012, had a total attendance number of 6,757 (subject to ABC audit).

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In 2009/10 the storage, warehousing and road haulage industries reported over 8500 work related accidents to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Local Authorities. Almost 1600 of these accidents were classified as major injuries such as fractures and amputations.

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More recruits and improved training are essential if UK logistics, and UK PLC itself, wants to climb higher up the international competitiveness leagues. Dr Ross Moloney, Director of Intelligence and Strategy at Skills for Logistics (SfL), examines some of the key issues facing the Logistics Sector.

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Users consistently underestimate the weight of booms and scissors. This can lead to serious accidents. Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) are stable and robust machines that, in the hands of properly trained and familiarised operators, offer a safe and effective way to work at height. However, incorrect setup can cause instability and lead to tip-overs. This is often the result of inadequate assessment of ground conditions, insufficient ground support, poor spreader plate selection or incor

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At the Fork Lift Truck Association (FLTA) Safety Conference in September 2012, it was revealed that fork lift truck accidents are once again on the rise. Delegates heard the “latest figures from the HSE reveal a 4% increase in serious fork lift accidents in 2010/2011, following a two year decline in accidents requiring hospitalisation, such as amputations, dislocations and long-bone fractures.”

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Key speakers at SEMA’s annual Health & Safety Conference on 1st November included the HSE and the safety, health and environment manager from a UK retail giant. ASDA’s Neil Sheehan focussed on ‘Choosing a supplier on the basis of safety’ and such professional endorsement of SEMA’s safety standards couldn’t have come at a more critical time.

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As most readers will no doubt be aware, the UK government is currently in the process of streamlining the country’s health and safety legislation, says Geoff Holden, chief executive, Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA). Overall the aim is to remove any unnecessary red tape imposed on the country’s business sector. The initiative began with a review of the current framework, led by Professor Löfstedt.

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In today’s challenging economic times, the growth in e-commerce has proven to be a lifeline for many retailers. As online sales continue to rise, many e-tailers are realising the many benefits that logistics automation offers to help win market share and maintain customer loyalty in this crucial sector.

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The FSDF, which celebrated its Centenary in 2011, is the sole trade body which represents and supports the interests of the entire food logistics industry. The CEO, Chris Sturman and the federation’s administration team are committed to ensuring its members’ voices are heard by all the relevant governmental departments, NGOs, trade bodies and organisations, in the UK and Europe.

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It could be argued that the recession has had a positive impact on the 3PL sector, says Roger Williams, chief executive officer of the United Kingdom Warehousing Association.

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Rising fuel costs are crippling for the whole country and the effect is no more devastating than for freight operators, whose businesses and livelihoods are so dependent on the price of fuel, says Michael Webb, Head of Public Affairs, Freight Transport Association. Not only does it have a negative impact on road hauliers but also their customers and ultimately everyone, through the price of goods on the shelves.

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The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) says that the lessons learned from the special pressures of the Olympics need translation into long term benefits for both the sector and its customers. Seven years of preparation – and two years of intensive training – paid off for the UK transport and logistics sector as it played its winning role in ensuring the success of the 2012 London Olympics.

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Even after recent improvements in safety, workers in the UK are still seriously injured by fork lift trucks at a rate of at least one per day, says FLTA chief executive Peter Harvey. Frequently, these accidents have life-changing or even fatal consequences... and the real tragedy is that most are entirely avoidable. At the Fork Lift Truck Association we strongly believe that spreading basic safety knowledge – and acting upon it – could be enough to dramatically reduce the risks faced everyday by

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Unlike an MOT, a Thorough Examination is open to some interpretation – which could cause major problems for employers. As the manager or director of a company that uses fork lift trucks you are probably aware of the need for Thorough Examination – brought into even sharper focus in recent times by the introduction of the Corporate Manslaughter and Homicide Act 2007.

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The British Industrial Truck Association (BITA) mission statement “lifting industry standards” is at the forefront of secretary general James Clark’s mind as two key dates loom on the horizon.

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