Managers urged to seek clarity over forklift inspections

By Gwen Ridler

02-May-2019 - Last updated on 02-May-2019 at 15:56 GMT

Warehouse mangers urged to seek clarity on forklift examinations

Warehouse managers have been urged to seek greater clarity over thorough examinations for forklift trucks, after Health and Safety Executive (HSE) figures revealed they were involved in 1,300 serious accidents each year – 50% more than heavy goods vehicles (HGVs).

While not subject to an MOT like HGVs, forklift trucks do require a thorough examination under both Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations and Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations.

However, according to Consolidated Fork Truck Services chairman Geoff Martin, a lack of clarity surrounding how often lift truck examinations were carried out and documented could put employees at risk.

‘Life-changing accidents’

“Every logistics or transport manager worth their salt knows exactly how their HGVs and public service vehicles are inspected and maintained,” said Martin. “But the truth is, your lift truck is far more likely to be involved in a life-changing accident – and to have its inspection regime questioned by the HSE.”

This year has seen two food firms fined for health and safety offences involving forklift trucks.

Last month, potato processor Braegate Produce was been fined £50,000 for failing to ensure forklift and telehandler operators were clear what the site rules were around the transportation of potato boxes and to effectively enforce them.

Meanwhile, in February, Poultry processor Moy Park has been fined more than £850,000, after a worker suffered life-changing injuries in a forklift truck accident at its Ashbourne site.