The Fork Lift Truck Association (FLTA) has further enhanced its Safe User Group service by introducing new resources and including up to five additional sites under a single membership, at no extra cost.

In 2001, the association launched the Safe User Group to make its expertise available to companies operating forklifts and to provide simple legal advice amid the confusion of regulation, legislation and official guidance for forklift use.

The comprehensive support package, which the FLTA says is valued at GBP1,500 (USD2,288), includes practical safety resources, regular updates on new rules and advances, a monthly newsletter and a confidential telephone helpline. This costs GBP177 (USD270) per year.

FLTA technical manager Owen Delaney says forklifts account for at least one hospitalisation or fatality a day and "at last count, their operation was affected by 23 sets of legislation, guidelines and rules".

"The FLTA Safe User Group was set up to give managers a reliable solution to that worry - clear, practical, up-to-date information, straight from the horse's mouth, in whatever format best suits the way you work. It improves safety, lowers risk, and extending the number of sites will mean more workers are protected," Delaney explains.

The FLTA is the UK's independent authority on forklifts. For more information on joining the Safe User Group call +44 01635 277579 or visit http://www.fork-truck.org.uk/safe-user-group.