FLTA throws spotlight on safe truck users

It could be a change of layout that involves segregating trucks from people or a complete culture change that has made a significant impact on the number of accidents, near misses or damage to stock or premises. 

By simply telling the Fork Lift Truck Association about it, you will have a chance of lifting one of the famous Archie statuettes as a winner in the FLTA Awards for Excellence 2015.

FLTA Chief Executive Peter Harvey explains: "With our Safe Site Award we throw the spotlight on companies that use fork lift trucks.

"However excellent the products and support of the manufacturers, dealers and suppliers might be, safety in the workplace ultimately depends on the actions of those who manage and operate equipment.

"This Award recognises those who have shown exemplary commitment to positive change.”

Businesses are urged to enter themselves for the Safe Site Award, sponsored by Doosan Industrial Vehicle (UK), if they have introduced a significant new safety initiative during 2014.

Peter explains: "This might well have taken the form of a modification or redesign of all or part of their site, or alteration of its processes or procedures.”

Entries are free and are very easy to make, using an online form available in the Awards section of the FLTA website: www.fork-truck.org.uk/awards.



Peter continues: "To enter, simply describe what you have done to improve safety at you site in 300 words or fewer, including – if possible – the specific problems you’ve tackled, the actions you’ve taken and the results you’ve achieved.”

In addition, companies may provide supporting photos, video clips or other documentation with their online entry.

The Award is open to companies of all shapes and sizes, in all sectors.
Previous Award winners include:
• Sellafield Ltd
• City of London Corporation
• Anglesey Aluminium Metals Ltd
• McCain Foods UK
• Babcock International Group
• Taylors of Harrogate.

The current title holder, coffee and tea specialist Taylors, was recognised for the implementation of a whole new training structure involving its complete workforce, to ensure a safe environment both for fork lift truck operators and for those working with and alongside them, while 2013 winner, multinational engineering support services company Babcock, adopted an innovative approach in which fork lift truck operators and supervisors worked together to develop and agree 21 new safety standards.

The deadline for entries is 30th September 2014.

The winner will be decided by the FLTA Technical Committee and will be presented with an Archie, the materials handling’s symbol of excellence, at the FLTA Awards for Excellence, which will be held at the International Centre in Telford on Saturday 28th February 2015.

The Fork Lift Truck Association is the UK’s independent authority on fork lift trucks. For more information, please visit www.fork-truck.org.uk or call 01635 277577.