Accountability concerns

With a continuing rise in the number of companies renting fork lift trucks, experts have raised concerns that uncertainty over who is responsible for Thorough Examinations could be placing managers and directors at the risk of prosecution under the Corporate Manslaughter Act.

Nationwide research carried out on behalf of Consolidated Fork Truck Services (CFTS) revealed that 84% of supervisors and managers surveyed incorrectly hold their materials handling provider at least partially accountable for ensuring their truck holds a current Report of Thorough Examination. Worryingly, 30% of respondents, who oversee operations of one or more fork lift trucks, believed that their service provider - as the truck's owner - would be solely responsible for this essential task. This is not the case.

According to Richard Hayes, CFTS chair: "Whether a fork lift truck is owned or on hire, users and fleet owners should be fully aware of their responsibilities. Knowing that any user is unclear about this subject indicates that they are being inappropriately advised, if at all." The website www.thorough examination.org has details of CFTSaccredited examiners and can help assess when your next Thorough Examination is going to be due - using a free online calculator.