The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has reported an industry wide increase in serious forklift truck accidents, prompting Briggs Equipment to urge fleet managers not to lose sight of the importance of health and safety in a tough economic environment.

Latest figures from the HSE reveal a four per cent increase in serious accidents involving forklift trucks, the first rise in two years, and Briggs believes that this may be due to some businesses cutting corners to reduce costs.

Briggs Equipment’s CEO, Richard Close, commented: “In these uncertain times, there seems to be more companies willing to put profit before safety. But this approach could cost them thousands, whilst seriously damaging their reputation.”

Richard went on to highlight a recent case involving a shipbuilding company, which was fined £120,000 following the death of a welder.

The company left keys in the ignitions of forklifts, making them available for anyone to use. As a result, the welder – who had no forklift training – drove one of the machines and was crushed between the vehicle and a crane lifting beam.

“This is a clear example of the repercussions a business can face when cutting corners and not having correct procedures in place,” continued Richard. “We want this to be a reminder of the importance of health and safety and how it can actually drive down costs as well as saving lives.”

Briggs provides five key health and safety measures to consider:

  1. Training: Ensure all of your forklift truck operators are fully trained to use your equipment and are aware of the company’s latest H&S procedures. Keep in mind that every site is different, therefore, by taking a bespoke training approach will help to improve H&S more than standard training courses.
  2. Seasonal workers: If you employ temporary workers during peak times, ensure they have been given a thorough induction and have been fully trained to use your equipment and are aware of your site’s H&S procedures.
  3. Language barriers: Be aware that some employees may have different cultural backgrounds and they may not be fluent in English. Ensure they are fully aware of UK H&S procedures as additional training may be required. Briggs provides large visual posters to companies to reinforce key health and safety requirements.
  4. Technology: There is an extensive amount of technology available for forklift trucks to aid H&S therefore ensure you do your research and invest in technology that is right for your operations.
  5. Reporting: Do your workers report on any H&S issues? Make sure you have an anonymous, ‘easy-to-report’ method in place to help workers speak up about any accidents or hazards they may find in the workplace.

Richard added: “Our service goes far beyond simply supplying forklift trucks. We go to great lengths to encourage best practice amongst our customers and the wider materials handling industry.”

If you have any concerns or would like more information please contact Briggs Equipment on 03301 239814 or email info@briggsequipment.co.uk

Company Contact:

Scott Bullock
Briggs Equipment
Orbital Way
Cannock
WS11 8XW
T: 01543 430 455
W: www.briggsequipment.co.uk
E: scott.bullock@briggsequipment.co.uk

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