Launched as part of the Fork Lift Truck Association’s (FLTA) annual safety campaign, #Safetember, the kit is still available for download.
Endorsed by the FLTA, UKWA and BSC Safety Management, the campaign is designed to establish a standardised interaction between forklift operators and pedestrians. Contents include everything needed to spread its important safety message, including exclusive posters and videos for presentations and toolbox talks. The materials work together to encourage an environment where all workers know to use Mentor’s simple system - if the driver sees a pedestrian approaching too closely:
- The driver stops their truck
- Raises their hand to signal to the pedestrian to stop
- If the pedestrian does not stop, the driver turns off the ignition until the pedestrian is safely out of the way
The onus is on the driver to initiate the communication and pedestrians don’t have to respond, just stop and remove themselves from harm’s way.
Says Mentor FLT Training managing director Stuart Taylor: “So many of these injuries are completely avoidable. It’s so important that everyone working either on or around forklifts recognises the dangers involved and, more importantly, the simple hand gesture that could prevent them.
“Whether you’re in the cab or on foot, you should never assume you’ve been seen or rely on a colleague to move out of your way. Because there’s every chance you’ve not been seen, or that they don’t understand the level of risk involved.
He continues: “Raising your hand is a clear, universal signal, so instilling it in the workforce as a part of operators’ routines should be relatively straightforward. It’s also non-verbal so it overcomes any potential language barriers or noisy environments. And with our free resources, it can be implemented at no cost to businesses.”
To get hold of your free ‘Show Your Hand’ kit, visit www.mentortraining.co.uk or call 01246 555222.
