Managers and supervisors: The safety link
Managers and supervisors are the crucial link between trained operators and safe working environments. A company’s carefully prepared safety procedures are only as good as those who enforce them, so these individuals must be confident enough to stop risks from becoming realities, explains Peter Harvey, chief executive of the Fork Lift Truck Association.
Given the high injury rate stemming from incorrect lift truck use and the thousands spent annually replacing damaged stock, racking and trucks, supervisory staff must have knowledge of the key safety principles and relevant legislation, enabling them to identify and rectify any unsafe behaviour.
Understanding legislation and guidance
There is plenty of information to guide those responsible for fork lift truck operations, including legislation set out in the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER).
Earlier this year the HSE confirmed its commitment to workplace transport safety with the release of the 3rd edition of the Approved Code of Practice for the use of Rider operated lift trucks (L117). Perhaps most significant is the added emphasis on the training of managers and supervisors.
L117 stipulates that those in supervisory roles should be sufficiently trained to identify any potential hazards occurring in everyday fork lift operations, specifically being able to:
• Carry out an effective observation and know what to look for
• Communicate effectively with operators and line managers
• Recognise unsafe practice and behaviour
• Maintain and promote health and safety standards
While not required to qualify as fork lift truck operators, managers and supervisors are legally responsible for ensuring everyday operations are carried out safely.
Safe OperationsFork lift trucks are one of the few types of workplace equipment with dedicated guidance (L117) on how to operate them safely.
Where possible, prohibit pedestrians from lift truck operating areas, allowing access only to operators and supervisors. Otherwise, assess the risks involved and, where necessary, introduce adequate controls. Ensure that everyone on site is correctly trained and understands how to work safely – even the pedestrians!
The public should not be allowed in lift truck operating areas. When this does need to happen (eg operations in a retail warehouse during opening hours) a written procedure should outline the precautions.
All operating areas should be suitably designed and properly maintained. Likewise, every lift truck must have a valid Report of Thorough Examination and pre-operational checks should be completed by operators prior to each shift.
Make it a safe September
This September, everyone from shelf stackers working alongside trucks to the CEOs responsible for H&S policy is being urged to find out more about fork lift truck safety and get involved in the process of reducing risk.
The FLTA’s National Fork Truck Safety Conference will look closely at the issue of employee engagement through a number of practical sessions.
The one-day event, which is sponsored by Briggs Equipment UK, will take place at Warwick University on Wednesday 25th September 2013.
The Conference’s international panel of experts will share new research findings, case studies and practical, relevant advice, ensuring that delegates will leave the one-day event with the tools they need to reduce operating risks back at home.
Find out more about the Safety Conference by visiting: www.fork-truck.org/safety-conference
Confirm your safety foundations
A bit closer to home, the FLTA is encouraging the estimated 1,000,000 Britons who are involved in fork lift truck operations to participate in the UK’s biggest fork lift safety challenge.
The free 10-minute quiz, developed in partnership with Mentor, the UK’s leading national fork lift truck training provider, will take place during National Fork Truck Safety Week (23rd – 27th September 2013.)
Two modules have been created to test knowledge at all levels: from shop floor to board room. One has been designed for those who work directly with or alongside fork lift trucks, while another is for managers, supervisors and key decision makers.
Through Mentor, supporting information is available, enabling participants to improve their knowledge beforehand. Individuals scoring 85% or more will receive a certificate.
Register now at www.fork-truck.org.uk. While you’re there, be sure to visit the Safety Week section to download for your free study materials.
