Safer trucking

Forklifts can pose a serious risk to nearby workers, highlighting the importance of adequate segregation, appropriate training and regular monitoring, explains Stuart Taylor.

Every year, about 1,300 people are involved in forklift-related accidents in Britain. But, contrary to common belief, it is not lift truck operators who are most at risk. In reality, it’s everyone around them.

A recent RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations) report into forklift truck accidents in Britain revealed 43 per cent of incidents involved impacts with a third person. Of these, 65 per cent were completing unrelated tasks, 20 per cent were co-workers and 15 per cent were delivery drivers. The unfortunate truth is that these types of incidents can almost always be avoided.