Peter Harvey

The Fork Lift Truck Association (FLTA) wants to recognise forklift owners and operators who have taken action to improve the safety of staff working around forklifts.

FLTA CEO Peter Harvey says: "With our Safe Site Award, we throw the spotlight on companies that use forklifts.

"However excellent the products and support of the manufacturers, dealers and suppliers might be, safety in the workplace ultimately depends on the actions of those who manage and operate equipment.

"This award recognises those who have shown exemplary commitment to positive change."

Businesses are urged to enter themselves for the Safe Site Award, sponsored by Doosan Industrial Vehicle (UK), if they have introduced a significant new safety initiative in 2014.

It could be a change of layout that involves segregating trucks from people or a complete culture change that has made a significant impact on the number of accidents, near-misses or damage to stock or premises.

"This might well have taken the form of a modification or redesign of all or part of their site, or alteration of its processes or procedures," Harvey explains.

"To enter, simply describe what you have done to improve safety at your site in 300 words or fewer, including - if possible - the specific problems you've tackled, the actions you've taken and the results you've achieved."

Companies may provide supporting photos, video clips or other documentation with their online entries.

Previous award winners include Sellafield Ltd, City of London Corporation, Anglesey Aluminium Metals Ltd, McCain Foods UK, Babcock International Group and Taylors of Harrogate.

The current title holder, coffee and tea specialist Taylors, was recognised for the implementation of a new training structure involving its complete workforce, to ensure a safe environment both for forklift operators and for those working with and alongside them.

The deadline for entries is 30th September 2014.

Entries are free and can be made using an online form available in the Awards section of the FLTA website: www.fork-truck.org.uk/awards.