700 forklifts retrofitted with safety gear

At the centre of the campaign was the creation and roll-out of the bespoke Bruss Overload Alarm system, which alerts forklift operators from lifting loads above the recommended capacity of the truck. 

Howdens have won the 2020 Technology Risk Management Initiative award from the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management (IIRSM) for the ‘Safe to Trade’ campaign.

The alarm is fitted externally to the forklift and alerts all within the operating area, including the operator to any overload event. Since its introduction, there have been zero recorded overload incidents and the feedback from Howdens' 3,800 forklift operators has been extremely positive.

The ‘Safe to Trade’ campaign also includes several additional improvements, such as a 4×4 segregation rule to improve safety during LGV trailer deliveries.

Briggs Equipment’s national account manager Kevin Gillespie says: “This project is a fantastic example of how partnership working and collaboration can deliver great results for a customer. This is just one example of our pro-active account management approach, and we’re looking forward to continuing our work with Howdens.”

Abbey Attachments MD Paul Saunders adds: “We were thrilled to have the opportunity to work alongside Howdens and Briggs on this project. Initially we trialled an off the shelf product but needed a system that was custom-made for Howdens and their Hyster trucks, with the help of RAVAS, our mobile weighing systems provider.”

For more information, visit www.briggsequipment.co.uk