Heavyweights focus on fork lift safety

Ticket rush expected as HSE director speaks at Fork Lift Truck Safety Conference

The Fork Lift Truck Association (FLTA) expects a rush of ticket sales, after confirming a heavyweight roster of speakers for its National Fork Lift Truck Safety Conference.  The Association has made additional seats available to cope with anticipated demand for the September event, switching to a larger venue after last year’s conference sold out in record time.

Highlights of an impressive 2010 programme include HSE Board Member John Spanswick CBE, giving a keynote presentation based upon his long experience at the most senior levels of the project management and construction industry.  John will set the tone for a conference emphasising how strategic improvements by management can save lives and limbs on the front line, leading the FLTA to urge attendees to ‘Bring The Boss!’.

FLTA chief executive David Ellison explains: “As ever, the Safety Conference will be packed with practical, no-nonsense information for any manager with responsibility with fork lift trucks.  However, we’ll also make it clear that the bigger picture – the strategies and priorities set by those at the top – make a huge difference to the risks faced by workers in the warehouse.

“So, if you want to get something done about fork lift truck safety in your workplace, bring the boss!”

Other speakers at this year’s conference, which is sponsored by Calor, represent a wide range of viewpoints from the materials handling and logistics industry, as well as legal and insurance perspectives.  Topics covered will include strategic planning, site surveys, corporate manslaughter and operator assessment, while delegates are somewhat cryptically invited to ‘plan your own accident’.

David Ellison continues: “Fork lift trucks are still by far the most dangerous type of workplace transport in the UK, and avoidable accidents shatter the lives of ordinary workers on a daily basis.  One day is a pretty small investment, to help keep your employees safe.”

To find out more about this year’s Safety Conference and to book your place, visit: www.fork-truck.org.uk/safety-conference.  The FLTA can be contacted on Tel: 01256 381441, or by writing to Fork Lift Truck Association, Manor Farm Buildings, Lasham, Alton, Hampshire GU34 5SL.

Published: 02/07/2010