Beware of the dangers posed by fork lift trucks

Sep 18 2008 by AC Temp, Hamilton Advertiser

IT may surprise your readers to learn that in September alone, two British workers are likely to be killed and as many as 60 seriously injured in accidents involving fork lift trucks.

Indeed, you probably report casualties in your own area on a regular basis. This doesn’t just affect fork lift drivers. Up to two-thirds of accidents kill or injure a pedestrian, and with an estimated 350,000 fork lift trucks in use all over the UK, it’s essential that employees and members of the public alike understand the risks.

That’s why the Fork Lift Truck Association is organising the first ever National Fork Lift Safety Week, from September 22 to 28.

We hope to dramatically reduce the accident toll, by focusing on one, simple message: “Pedestrians and fork lift trucks don't mix.”

Please remind your readers that whenever they see a fork lift truck, whether it’s at work or in their local garden centre or DIY store, they should be careful, keep well clear and never assume the operator has seen them.

For further advice, contact a local FLTA member, or see www.fork-truck.org.uk. In the meantime, please allow me, on behalf of all our members, to wish your readers a happy and, above all, safe September.

David Ellison, Chief Executive, Fork Lift Truck Association.