The fork lift industry’s lead body for safety and accountability has announced that Quality Audits will be conducted on the hundreds of dealerships and manufacturers that comprise the FLTA Fork Lift Truck Association membership.

Every member will be visited by the Association’s Quality Manager Lee Medway, who will conduct individual on-site audits to ensure compliance across more than 100 criteria.

In return, Lee will share examples of innovative measures introduced by fellow members in what he calls “a virtuous circle of assessment and improvement”.
“For the many tens of thousands of truck users and operators, this audit procedure will deliver genuine peace of mind,” explains FLTA CEO Peter Harvey.
“Whether you buy, rent or obtain service from an FLTA member you have the assurance of: a fair and approved contract; comprehensive public and product liability insurance; impressive environmental policies; equal opportunities procedures and a great deal more.”

All FLTA members are already updated continuously on current legislation - helping to ensure customer operations comply with the requirements of the relevant regulatory bodies.

That support is not to be underestimated at a time when the HSE is increasingly flexing its muscles though FFI (Fee For Intervention) and new sentencing guidelines for corporate manslaughter that are resulting in hugely increased fines - proportionate to the severity of the offence and a company’s annual turnover - plus a much increased likelihood of being found guilty” (The HSE quotes a conviction rate of 95% of cases prosecuted…)

Following an audit, every member of the Association receives a certificate and compliance logo to go alongside the Code of Practice that must be displayed prominently in their premises.

For them, it is a constant reminder to be vigilant in maintaining the highest standards. For visiting customers, it is clear evidence that this company - unlike some - works to nationally agreed criteria.

“In summary” continues Peter Harvey, “the introduction of the Quality Audit ensures FLTA members adhere to the highest standards, thereby avoiding the risk of any weak link in your chain of traceability and accountability.”

The Fork Lift Truck Association is the UK’s independent authority on fork lift trucks.