Irish 4-way handling specialist Combilift has been shortlisted for a safety award at the forthcoming IMHX show, which takes place at the NEC in Birmingham, UK, from 16th to 19th November. Organised by IMHX owners BITA (the British Industrial Truck Association) and Quartz Publishing & Exhibitions Ltd. the IMHX Design 4 Safety Awards have been created to highlight the importance of product design in improving health and safety standards across all materials handling and logistics disciplines.

Combilift has won numerous industry awards since the company was established 12 years ago, and its compact 4-way counterbalance design Combi-CB is one of the three finalists in the Industrial Trucks category. This model has already got one accolade under its belt, as it won the UK FLTA's Award for Innovation in 2009. "Improving safety has always been a priority for us when it comes to product development, and our range is known for its ability to reduce the risks involved, particularly with oversized and awkward loads," commented Combilift MD Martin McVicar. "We are pleased that the panel of health and safety experts judging the entries have recognised the contribution that the CB's design can make to a safer working environment when handling mixed loads such as pallets as well as longer lengths."

The safety benefits of the 4-way Combi-CB and its ability to turn on its axis can be summed up at follows:

The need for reversing is virtually eliminated, reducing the well known risks associated with this manoeuvre for operators (repetitive strain) and personnel in the vicinity.

There is no need for risky high level transportation of longer loads around obstacles or parked vehicles. Low level handling improves visibility as there is no impediment in the driver's sight line.

The driver's seat is situated towards the rear of the truck offering better spatial awareness.

All-round visibility from the cab makes it easier for operators to work in confined areas with no fatigue.

Integrated hydraulic fork positioners as standard eliminate manual handling of forks thereby protecting operators from potential strain injuries.

Combilift is sharing its IMHX stands with its affiliated company Aisle-Master Ltd, which will be packed with innovations all designed to offer space saving and safer handling - of long loads, mixed loads and for warehousing operations with very narrow aisles. Combilift has added a considerable number of new models to its range since the last IMHX, and the number of exhibits on show reflects the extensive range available from the global leader in its field. As well as the Combi-CB, which is now available with 3 and 4 t lift capacities and electric power options, other exhibits include the original and "core" Combilift; the 4t capacity C4,000, a 4-way sideloader, plus a selection of larger Combilifts for heavier duty applications with lift capacities of 6t, 8t and upwards.

Aisle-Master will be exhibiting AC electric and LPG powered models from its wide range of articulated trucks, and is launching its new model and new corporate colours at the show. Aisle-Master is the only articulated forklift manufacturer to offer AC technology as standard on all its electric models, for benefits such as increased performance levels with reduced energy consumption.