Forklifts are very useful for moving raw materials, Tools and equipment in many industries including construction & warehousing. Unfortunately, they also feature prominently in work place accidents, about 1/3 of all transport related accidents involve lift trucks. These accidents result from a lack of operator training, poor maintenance and no safe systems of work regarding lift truck operations.

The main risks associated with FLTs are: 1. Being struck by an FLT 2. The FLT rolling over 3. Driver being struck by falling items 4. Passengers falling out 5. Unauthorised start up 6. Inadequate braking 7. Restricted driver visibility

Competent lift truck operators must know: 1. How to operate the particular class of truck to which they have been assigned 2. Be aware of hazards associated with the work they have been asked to do 3. Be able to operate the truck in a manner that protects both their own safety and the safety of others. 4. It is the responsibility of the employer to establish a worker's competence to operate a powered lift truck.

Be aware of the risks and dangers

1. Moral: Duty of Care Physical and Emotional pain and ill health Staff Morale 2. Legal: Enforcement and Prosecution Civil Law 3. Financial: Costs of accidents Loss of trade

A number of different laws apply to working with FLTs – the main ones are: 1. Health & Safety at Work Act 2. Management of H&S at Work Regulations 3. Provision & Use of Work Equipment 4. Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment 5. Workplace Health Safety & Welfare 6. Personal Protective Equipment

HSE may prosecute either or both the Employer and Employee for any contravention of their Duties Should the Health & Safety Executive prosecute for contravention of the regulations you can expect a fine of up to £20,000 or a jail sentence of up to 1 year in a magistrates court, or both. Crown court fine Unlimited, Jail up to 2 years

Is it reasonably practicable to do this job in this manner? Is it also reasonably practicable to assume that these machines are within their capacity and therefore safe to use for this job?

Load weight ?Security of the load? Lifting Capacity of the truck? Who are the silly people here? The foreman for allowing this, or the workers for doing it?

The law is the law, is the law! Be sensible and keep within it There are many different types of lift truck and even more types of attachments. Get to know the one that you are using These Guidelines have provided you with some reasoning for having a lift truck safety programme We all have a duty to keep our selves and fellow workers safe while on-the-job !

Remember that: Now, the film!