FLTA • The FLTA in action
October 17th 2006

For those as yet unfamiliar with the work of the Fork Lift Truck Association, a look back at just a few of its activities over the last year will give a good idea of this organisation’s role.

The FLTA exists to raise and maintain standards in the materials handling industry – and the future health of that industry will be affected significantly by the success of one of the Association’s latest initiatives. In response to the increasingly worrying shortage of skilled service engineers, the FLTA has introduced a National Apprenticeship Programme. Managed on the FLTA’s behalf by the City of Bristol College, and delivered through a number of learning centres, the programme is boosting both the number of apprentices and the quality of their training.

Safety is always one of the Association’s key concerns. The FLTA Safety Conference, an annual event, took as its key theme for 2006 the Health and Safety Executive’s forthcoming Route Map for the Operation of Workplace Transport. This significant development has implications for all who operate fork lift trucks, and the Association will be working hard to ensure that these are recognised and understood.

While members of the FLTA and its Safe User Group are in the best position of all to benefit from its authoritative advice, the Association regularly highlights issues to the industry at large through the trade press. And for anyone seeking information on issues surrounding the use of fork lifts, the FLTA website – www.fork-truck.org.uk – is the ideal place to start. Recent additions to the site include a range of free fact sheets addressing some of the most frequently asked questions.

Perhaps the most high profile of the FLTA’s activities – and certainly the highlight of the materials handling industry’s calendar – is the FLTA Annual Awards for Excellence. Awards 2006 drew huge attention to the achievements being honoured… and the Bond-themed Awards 007 promises to be the best event yet.

Look for the marque

Only FLTA members are allowed to display the FLTA marque. To earn that right they must first of all qualify for membership and be accepted. They must also agree to abide by a rigorous Code of Practice and work to the highest standards. Customers can be assured that every FLTA member has ‘all the right tools to do the job’. That includes properly equipped workshop facilities, efficient working systems and up-to-date knowledge – particularly when it comes to safety issues and legislation. In other words, the FLTA is a sign that gives peace of mind.

Are you a safe user?

To help fork lift owners and operators to cope with the burden of responsibility for safety, keep up to date with the law and understand the issues, the FLTA runs a Safe User Group. This helps to cut through the paperwork and gives truck users the information they need… in a form that’s totally relevant, very concise and extremely easy to use. It’s a service that saves time and money for the member and his or her business… while helping to make the workplace a safer environment for everyone. Visit the website – www.fork-truck.org.uk – to find out more.

What is the FLTA?

The FLTA is the most representative body of its kind in Europe. By working to raise and maintain standards in the materials handling industry, it helps to enhance safety in the workplace, increase the productivity of businesses and protect the interests of consumers.

Its ability to do all of those things effectively is built upon the quality of its membership, the authority it carries within the industry and the practical difference its initiatives, activities and advice make to daily working life.

Members of the FLTA include every major fork truck manufacturer, as well as importers, distributors, dealers and suppliers of related equipment and services.

It represents – and welcomes as members – companies of every size. To ensure that the industry’s full spectrum is covered, it also runs a Safe User Group meeting the specific needs of those who actually operate the trucks.

The Association influences decision makers at every level, works closely and productively with other key organisations such as the Health and Safety Executive, and effectively lobbies government departments on the industry’s behalf.

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