Earlier this year we launched the FLTA Safety 4MOST campaign with the aim of reminding managers and operators of their basic responsibilities with regard to the safe operation of fork lift trucks. The 4 key components of this campaign are Safe Manager, Safe Operator, Safe Site and Safe Truck. Although none of these elements can be considered in true isolation, the Safety Conference this year will focus on what constitutes a Safe Site. Delegates will be given detailed information on what can go wrong and how they can avoid accidents and mistakes. They will receive insight from specialists and experts, designed to help develop and sustain good practice.

Site Safety - the HSE Perspective

One organisation that understands the risks associated with operating fork lift trucks in busy working environments is the Health and Safety Executive. Jim Corbridge, Principal Specialist Inspector whose Unit has the HSE technical lead for fork lift trucks will explain these risks and what can be done to avoid or minimise them. He will explain legislation that impacts on the truck/site interface and look at some the recent HSE initiatives designed to improve awareness of the problem. Using examples of bad and good practice he will show just how important it is to design and maintain sites that are safe for fork lift truck operations. He will also discuss the role of Enforcement Officers and explain how they may be able to help avoid problems before they arise.

Fork Lift Trucks and Pedestrians Don't Mix

We are delighted to welcome back Dr Uwe Weiner of IWS Gmbh. Delegates at previous conferences will remember his graphic presentation on his research into truck stability. Over the past few years he has been conducting a study into the fork lift truck and pedestrian interface - which, as we all know, can be a significant problem. One of his current projects is aimed at developing a 'driver assistant system' that will control a number of features influencing health and safety - including a sensor that detects pedestrians. Uwe Weiner will explain his research, and the results, and use these to show what can and should be done to reduce the risks for all concerned.

Safety Solutions

Once again we have invited a selection of the nominees in the Safety category of the FLTA 2007 Awards for Excellence to provide a brief presentation on their product. They will explain why the equipment was developed, what it does that is different, the impact it can have on safety and how it may be developed in the future. These short sessions will include the Cat high-visibility PoweRamic mast, the Looplifter system for bag handling and the Jungheinrich revolving cab.

Case Study - British Nuclear Group

The Waste Operating Unit on the Sellafield site in Cumbria employs a wide range of counterbalance fork lift trucks and telehandlers. This equipment moves conventional and nuclear loads of up to 32 tonnes, involving hundreds of thousands of lift operations every year.

If there was ever a need for a safe site this must be it!

But it wasn't totally safe and a number of incidents gave grave cause for concern. British Nuclear Fuels will share the issues that worried them, what they did about those problems and how operations have improved. This is a rare opportunity to hear at first hand how a major operation can develop, and subsequently resolve, a range of day-to-day problems.

Site Surveys

Whether you are buying, leasing or renting your fork lift truck it is essential that the correct truck is selected for the operations to be performed. Part of the selection process should be a site survey, conducted by a professional. Such a survey will help determine the most appropriate equipment but it may also indicate improvements that may need to be made to the site or methods of operation. Briggs Equipment UK Ltd is part of a global network of materials handling specialists and what its specialists don't know about site surveys is probably not worth knowing. They will share their knowledge and experience with delegates and reveal exactly what needs to be covered. Examples - both good and bad! - will illustrate the actions needed.

Legislation - Myths and Misconceptions

The FLTA receives calls on a daily basis from managers and operators who are clearly confused by some of the legislation relating to the operation of fork lift trucks. David Ellison will expose some of the myths and misconceptions and highlight the true position. Subjects to be covered will include operating on public roads, operator 'licences', refresher training, work platforms, Thorough Examination and other inspections.

Operator Assessment and Monitoring

By the time this conference takes place Virtual Risk Manager - FLT will have been launched. It is due to go live on 2nd July 2007 and can be accessed only through the FLTA website. The software has been developed by Interactive Driving Systems (IDS). Dr Will Murray of IDS will provide a brief overview of how the project came about and how it has been developed. He will describe how the current version operates, how it can benefit management and operators alike, and how the reports it can produce will help maintain a safe site - whether you operate one fork lift truck or a thousand.

The conference will be held in the Warwick University Arts Centre on Thursday 27th September 2007. It is a full-day conference - registration will be from 9.30 for a 10 o'clock start and it will end by 5.00 pm. Tickets cost ?0.00 per delegate for members of the Association, including the Safe User Group, and ?20.00 for non-members (both prices inclusive of VAT and refreshments). Booking forms are available for download via the links below or from the FLTA office.

The conference is sponsored by STILL Materials Handling Limited.The conference media partner is Warehouse and Logistics News.

Annual event presenting practical solutions to issues directly affecting fork lift truck users.

The key theme for this year:  
A Safe Site for fork lift truck operations – and how to achieve it.

Date(s):
27th September 2007

Venue:
Warwick University

Contact for booking / more info:
mail@fork-truck.org.uk or call 01256 381 441

http://www.fork-truck.org.uk