A Holistic Approach to Preventing Forklift Truck Accidents

Euro 1 Training ensure that we stay up to date with the latest news in training and take the safety of our clients very seriously, which is why we are pleased to inform you of the upcoming annual National Fork Truck Safety Conference, which will take place on the 23rd of September 2015 at Loughborough University.

Fork truck accident statistics

The forklift truck causes more than 800 accidents a year, including crushed limbs, broken bones, fractures and amputations. Whilst it is generally accepted that the cause of forklift accidents never change, some have suggested that simply improving issues of driver visibility and pedestrian segregation could reduce accidents by as much as 80%. The Safer Site Programme, however, believes that the real change that needs to take place is that of attitude. Poor practice should simply not be accepted and everyone should feel involved in safety culture and be responsible for the policing of it.

The Event

Hosted by the Fork Lift Truck Association (FLTA), this session aims to highlight the need for constant vigilance and awareness in industries where forklifts are a danger. The sessions include case studies by managers from companies who have significantly improved their safety track record, keynotes and papers on the main issues and a Safety Panel comprising industry experts to answer questions on operations and maintenance.

Mentor Training – the UK’s largest forklift training providers – are getting involved in the Safety Month campaign by creating an online attitudinal test which will ask participants to spot potential dangers and rank them in order of importance. This will examine the motivation and beliefs of participants in order to address the primary concerns of forklift operators. This test follows on from 2014’s Hazard Perception Test which is believed to be the UK’s largest study involving operators, pedestrians and managers.

Following the programme

To reduce the levels of injuries, damage and death in small and large businesses, the FLTA publish a new step or module on their website monthly as part of the Safer Site Programme. Each of these steps will include a ‘to do list’ for companies to follow in order to move through the programme and ensure their workplace is as safe an environment as possible. The Association will support participants with fact sheets, check-lists, posters and reading lists to help guide the participants through the scheme.


Euro 1 Training are proud to offer fully accredited and high calibre training in the use of forklifts. Our comprehensive training includes counter-balance, industrial reach and site loader training to ensure that your employees are safe in the knowledge that they can operate a forklift carefully and conscientiously. For more information on our services, contact us here today.