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.