The following health and
safety issues are covered in our forklift truck courses
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Warning
signs • Daily checks • Fork lift truck battery care
• Battery charging procedures • Charging bay care •
Eye wash stations
Be SAFE not SORRY!.
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National
Forklift Truck Association Safety Test
How safe is YOUR
company?
Unless the fork lift truck accident rate is reduced in the UK, September
(the most dangerous month), will see two workers killed, with one more
every six weeks, and up to 60 will end up in hospital every month on
average.
What are the chances
that it could happen at YOUR place of work?
This quick quiz
will give you a general idea…
1.When your forklift trucks are working:-
a) Only specialist staff can work near the fork lifts. Pedestrians and
drivers get regular reminders to look out for each other.
b) Pedestrians are not allowed where forklift trucks are working. Separate
routes are laid out, and any crossing points are clearly signposted.
c) Staff can walk wherever they need to, to get the job done.
2. Does your company
set a speed limit for its forklift trucks?
a) Only specialist staff can work near the fork lift trucks. Pedestrians
and drivers get regular reminders to look out for each other.
b) Pedestrians are not allowed where forklift trucks are working. Separate
routes are laid out, and any crossing points are clearly signposted.
c) Staff can walk wherever they need to, to get the job done.
3. Think about the
places where your forklift trucks are. What is the condition of the
floor?
a) Packing materials waiting to be cleared up. There are potholes here
and there.
b) Neat and tidy, with ramps between different levels.
c) Clean, level and well maintained, free from mess and debris.
4. Who is allowed
to operate your forklift trucks?
a) Only those who have been fully trained, and have written authorisation
from the company.
b) Any relevant staff that have been shown the ropes by a trained operator.
c) Formal training is required for the sit-on trucks; anyone can use
the pallet stackers.
5. How easily could
visitors or a member of the public get to where your forklift trucks
work?
a) Our fork lift trucks cross the car park or forecourt, so it will
happen. We just have to be careful.
b) The general public can access areas of the warehouse, but there are
plenty of keep out warnings.
c) Our forklift trucks are always fenced off from public areas.
6. What warning
is given when your forklift trucks are reversing?
a) They have a quiet, directional alarm that you only hear when you
are nearby.
b) Loads. With all those flashing lights and loud beeps, our warehouse
is like a rave party.
c) The driver tells you if you’re in the way.
7. How often are
items like forks, chains, brakes, steering, tyres and safety guards
checked?
a) Under routine service or thorough examination/insurance checks.
b) About once a week, fortnightly or when told to.
c) Daily or before each shift the truck is used.
8. Do your forklift
operators use mobile phones while driving?
a) Only hands-free and for essential work conversations.
b) Yes, as long as it doesn’t reduce their productivity.
c) No. It’s completely prohibited.
Now calculate your score…
Q1: a=5, b=10, c=0. Q2: a=10, b=0, c=2. Q3: a=0, b=7, c=10. Q4: a=10,
b=0, c=0.
Q5: a=0, b=5, c=10. Q6: a=10, b=5, c=1. Q7: a=0, b=0, c=10. Q8: a=5,
b=0, c=10.
THE RESULTS!
70+ POINTS: CONGRATULATIONS
– LOW RISK!
You seem up-to-date with current best practice and take an active approach
to Risk Assessment and minimising hazards. You may well be a member
of The Fork Lift Truck Association Safe User Group (SUG)? Or a similar
trade organisation. Of course, you cannot be complacent; there are always
areas for improvement and new guidance to adopt, but you must be aware
of that. In the meantime have you thought about entering for The Fork
Lift Truck Association Safe Site Award?
50 – 70 POINTS:
MEDIUM RISK – COULD DO BETTER
Your answers suggest a general awareness of forklift truck safety, and
a willingness to take responsibility. However, your current operations
could put staff or visitors and operators at risk. Contact The Fork
Lift Truck Association and consider joining the Safe User Group (SUG),
which offers exclusive advice with regular safety updates. There are
discounts available at certain times of the year.
30 – 50 POINTS:
HIGH RISK – IMPROVEMENTS NEEDED
Although you are aware of some safety issues, it appears there are serious
flaws with some of your practices, which, at best, could land you in
‘hot water’ with The Health and Safety Executive. You would
be well advised to check the free fact sheets at www.fork-truck.org.uk,
which answer some of the most common misunderstandings. A few simple
changes could make all the difference between a clean site and a serious
accident.
LESS THAN 30 POINTS:
DANGER! TAKE ACTION NOW!!
You have so far avoided reporting a forklift truck accident under RIDDOR,
it may be more by luck than judgement. Your site would appear to be
potentially dangerous and answers reveal serious risks in more than
one area of your operation, you should consider seeking urgent advice
before someone is badly hurt or a fatal injury occurs. The Fork Lift
Truck Association can point you in the right direction.
The Fork Lift Truck Association (www.fork-truck.org.uk) is acknowledged
as source.
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