One of the most influential workplace safety and health officials in the US has agreed to deliver the keynote speech to the forthcoming annual meeting of the trans-national International Truck Association (ITA).
John Henshaw, Department of Labor assistant secretary for the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), will discuss the department's working relationship with the ITA, as well as the linking of the departmental, OSHA and ITA websites.
The ITA's 53rd annual meeting is scheduled for October 23-26 in Miami, Florida.
Representing the largest industrial truck manufacturers and suppliers as well as associated companies and interest groups in the US, Canada and Mexico, the ITA has also secured the services of a high-ranking economist and academic to moderate a key session.
Nicholas Lardy, senior fellow with the research-oriented Institute for International Economics in Washington, will provide commentary as he heads a panel discussing "Understanding the Market in China".
In closing the session, Su Enyi, managing director of the China Industrial Truck Association, will discuss the types of services available for purchase and sale in China.
Peter Bradley, of DC Velocity magazine, will moderate the Presidents' Forum, featuring input from the European Federation of Materials Handling (FEM), the Japan Industrial Vehicles Association (JIVA) and the ITA, all core members of the Alliance of Industrial Truck Organisations.
Presenters booked for the President's Forum include Ambrogio Bollino of Cesab Carrelli Elevatori of Bologna, Italy, representing the FEM; Takeo Shibuya of Komatsu Forklift of Tokyo, Japan, representing the JIVA; and Dirk von Holt of Jungheinrich Lift Truck and Multiton MIC Corp/Jungheinrich, both of Richmond, Virginia, representing the ITA.
As ITA president, von Holt is also scheduled to present a 'state of the industry' report.
Prior to the general sessions, specialised ITA units and committees will debate topics such as suppliers' issues, industry statistics, the Canadan marketplace, legal matters and developments in engineering.
ITA subcommittees will also discuss subjects such as tyres and wheels, attachments, forks and masts, accessories and components, electric power and systems, hydraulic systems and air quality.
Meeting organisers say delegates and visitors will have ample opportunity to network with other industry figures as they tour the Miami area, play golf or simply relax.