MAY 2019 FORKLIFTS
27
Fork Truck Services (CFTS)
has worked with the HSE
to provide a nationwide
standard for the thorough
examination of forklifts,
to ensure they are fi t for
purpose. The CFTS Thorough
Examination includes all
specifi ed requirements of
the LOLER and PUWER
regulations, which cover the
lifting mechanisms and body
of the truck respectively, along
with a 34-point inspection of all
forklift attachments.
CFTS chairman, Geoff
Martin, says that companies
have to be more vigilant in
ensuring their equipment is
being examined at least once a
year in accordance with the law.
“This may mean re-evaluating
your current provider,” he
explains. “Many owners and
operators of forklifts are
unaware that they have a
choice of provider, because the
inspection is often wrapped
up within their insurance
premium. Not all inspections
are the same: it’s your
of forklift truck operators to
with the law.”
If you are the owner of a
forklift, or are hiring it for
more than a year, it is your
responsibility to make sure an
examination is arranged. If you
are loaning a forklift for under
12 months, the rental company
has to ensure the examination
is undertaken.
Even in this case, continues
Martin, you have a duty of
care for your staff , and should
demand to see the report. “By
insisting to see a copy of the
truck’s report, you are fulfi lling
your obligations to confi rm the
equipment is fi t for purpose,”
he explains. “If you are
investigated by the HSE and are
deemed to be acting negligently
then you could personally
face a signifi cant fi ne or even
prison, and will shoulder the
responsibility or guilt if one
of your staff is injured.”
Could everything be about to change?
It’s worth remembering that, thanks to the
vigilance and high standards of the vast majority
of those working in industry, the UK remains
one of the safest countries in which to work.
However, some are concerned that Brexit
may bring about a decline in these standards
and an increased risk to people in the workplace.
Regulations published by the International
Standards Organisation (ISO) currently form
an integral part of workplace health and safety
processes, especially within warehousing and
manufacturing industries. These standards have
been designed and implemented to boost health,
safety, and the overall wellbeing of employees,
ensuring that not only do workplace processes
meet a strict set of approved criteria, but also
that any equipment used is manufactured to a
high standard to minimise risk.
While national bodies such as the British
Standards Institute have cited hope in the
automatic transfer of EU standards, to date there
has been no offi cial confi rmation that European
standards will continue to be valid in Britain
in a post-Brexit economy. This uncertainty is
One such critic is Phil
Chesworth, managing director
of Dudley-based pallet truck
supplier, Midland Pallet
Trucks. “There is massive
uncertainty regarding the
future of European standards
industries could begin to lower standards and
use cheap, poor-quality equipment, placing their
employees at increased risk.
“Even if EU standards use their validity in
Britain, we are urging businesses all across the
nation to continue to adhere to the standards
and regulations that have been keeping us safe at
work for many, many years.”
A three-pronged approach
Ensuring on-site safety when vehicles are around
is an ongoing challenge. However, by taking a
three-pronged approach you can minimise the
risk and avoid costly fi nes, reputational damage
and serious injury to your staff . Firstly, ensure
your operators are correctly trained, and are
aware of correct procedure for each diff erent type
of vehicle. Secondly, ensure your truck fl eet is
well-maintained – ideally to the CFTS standard.
Thirdly, keep abreast of current regulations,
and ensure you meet – and ideally exceed – the
requirements. As the case of Mid Cheshire Pallets
proves, a failure in preparation can prove costly.
Don’t become another statistic.
www.manufacturingmanagement.co.uk
Correct training
and maintenance
will minimise risk
on your site
responsibility as the employer
ensure that you are complying
resulting in concerns being raised over
a potential decline in adherence
to European health and safety
standards in the future.
following Brexit,” he says.
“Without clear regulation,
especially during the post-Brexit
transition period, our concern is
that the warehousing and manufacturing
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