FLTA speaks of 'silent danger'

A survey of workers in the materials handling industry has revealed that 75% of individuals see 'accidents waiting to happen' in the workplace.

The research, conducted by Grahame Robb Associates in partnership with the FLTA and available to members of the Fork Lift Truck Association's Safe User Group, asked 250 people from a dozen different companies about the safety practices in their workplace.

Respondents included fork lift drivers, frontline workers, management, and safety officers.

Of those polled, 75% said they felt their workgroup was at risk from one or more 'accidents waiting to happen' and of these individuals, only one third said that they would speak up about such dangers.

FLTA chief executive, David Ellison, said: "The ugly secret behind most fork lift truck accidents is that someone is aware of the threat well in advance, but is either unwilling or feels unable to speak up."

In one example, a researcher was told: "If there are late deliveries, or more urgent shipments, we need to catch up time by unloading/loading more quickly than normal, driving too fast or lowering and raising on the move. We know we shouldn't, and that it creates risks. It's not what we were taught in our FLT training, but it's just what happens."

Ellison continued, "Through research such as this, newsletters, technical bulletins, safety manuals and initiatives such as the National Fork Truck Safety Conference, we endeavour to provide members with the knowledge and resources required to improve worksite safety and prevent avoidable losses of life and serious injury".