Assistant Editor , SHP

October 10, 2024

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Anticipate London

Driving positive change in the warehouse – UKMHA’s CEO Rob Fisher

In a new series, SHP interviews speakers featuring at our partner show, Anticipate London – combining Safety and Health Expo, FIREX, Facilities Show and IFSEC for cross-industry sharing, between 2-4 December 2024.

In this article, we speak to Rob Fisher, CEO of the UK Material Handling Association (UKMHA) ahead of his session at Anticipate London on forklift operator training. 

UKMHA leads National Forklift Safety Day – What’s key to making this message resonate throughout the year?

Rob Fisher

Robert Fisher (RF): At UKMHA, one of our primary objectives is to improve safety standards for everyone working in the material handling industry. Our National Forklift Safety Day campaign is one of our most important safety initiatives, designed to raise awareness about the best practices for ensuring exceptional forklift safety standards.

National Forklift Safety Day typically takes place on a single day, however, for this year’s campaign, we decided to extend it over a seven-month period to achieve our aim of making every day National Forklift Safety Day.

As this year’s campaign has proved, the key to making this vital message resonate throughout the year is consistency. We have released a selection of informative and engaging resources, including animated infographics, case studies, checklists and data reviews, that explore strategies for maintaining forklift safety.

Working with material handling equipment comes with a degree of risk, however, with a knowledgeable workforce that is well-versed in safe working practices, our industry can dramatically reduce the frequency and likelihood of forklift incidents.

Why do you think accidents involving forklift trucks are so common?

RF: It’s no secret that the material handling industry sees its fair share of accidents and incidents. Statistics from the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) show that 1 in 5 workplace fatalities are caused by a forklift truck or industrial vehicle – a startling statistic that shows just how important initiatives like National Forklift Safety Day are.

Many reasons are cited for this, such as faulty equipment, collisions with pedestrians and other vehicles and insufficient marking in warehouses. However, I think one factor underpins all of these common causes – a lack of training. Poorly trained operators, who are not equipped to operate material handling equipment safely, are a risk to themselves and others.

However, it would be remiss of me not to mention the great strides the industry is making in reducing workplace incidents. Data shows that fatal incidents have significantly decreased over the past few years, and we at the UKMHA are dedicated to making sure that this trend continues.


Further reading: Creating safer forklift truck operations


How far does the design of a warehouse impact safety?

RF: Warehouse design is key for ensuring and maintaining workplace safety. As previously alluded to, a common cause of forklift incidents is insufficient marking, and this isn’t the only design flaw that can contribute to incidents and accidents unfolding. Poor visibility, inadequate space and unclear traffic routes are just a few of the many warehouse design issues that threaten the safety of operators and pedestrians.

A well-designed warehouse creates a controlled environment that dramatically minimises risks, particularly those associated with navigation and load handling. Not only does it enhance safety, but it can also boost overall productivity, improve morale and reduce the costly financial implications that stem from accidents.

For the future, can you see new technologies making a positive impact on forklift truck operations?

Anticipate London logo.RF: There are many innovative technologies that are redefining the way our sector operates, from digital interfaces that provide greater visibility for operators to remarkable advancements in automation and robotics.

It is extremely uplifting to witness how providers of intralogistics solutions are driving positive change in the warehouse by creating solutions that are inherently safer without comprising on productivity, sustainability and efficiency.

UKMHA has also created a membership package curated for end-users of material handling equipment. Our Safe User Group is an interactive resource, that provides a wealth of safety-related guidance, helplines and tools created to support businesses where forklift trucks or other material handling equipment are in operation.

This membership provides clear safety guidance to ensure businesses comply with legislation and best practices.

To sign up to attend Anticipate London and see Rob’s session at ExCel London on 4 December, click here.

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