Have you improved forklift site safety?

Although one of the newest categories in the FLTA annual awards, the FLTA believe that the Safe Site Award is undoubtedly one of the most important.

The Association is looking for entries for its Award from companies who have done something special to make their operations safer. It could be a change of layout that involves segregating trucks from people or a cultural change that has made a significant impact on the number of accidents, near misses or damage to stock or premises.

Regardless of the size of the company or its budget, if they have made changes that make their site safer for those who work there, they will have a chance of lifting one of the famous Archie statuettes as a winner in the prestigious FLTA Awards for Excellence 2016.

FLTA Chief Executive Peter Harvey explains: "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 organisations – of whatever size – who have shown genuine 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 2015. 

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.

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.

2015 Safe Site Award Winner, Cambridgeshire-based G’s Fresh Beetroot installed a two way traffic light system, fitted blue spotlights on the trucks to improve visibility and devised a portable sign to warn drivers that pedestrians are present. It has also invested heavily in training and the testing of trucks, while a web-based health and safety system has been introduced, incorporating smartphones and tablets.

The Award is open to companies of all shapes and in all sectors. Previous Award winners include: Sellafield Ltd, City of London Corporation, Anglesey Aluminium Metals Ltd, McCain Foods UK, Babcock International Group and Taylors of Harrogate. The deadline for entries is 30 September 2015.

The winner will be decided by the FLTA Board 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 27 February 2016.

Handling & Storage Solution magazine is proud to be the media partner for the FLTA Awards.