'Tis the season to check MHE

According to HSE, vehicles at work continue to be a major cause of fatal and major injuries. Every year there are over 5,000 incidents involving transport in the workplace around 50 of which result in fatalities.

Significantly, the majority of these involve forklift and warehouse trucks.

“The causes of injuries are many,” continues Geoff Martin. “But a significant number could be eliminated by routine inspection of the equipment: by the operator before every shift and by a competent person at least once a year. 

“In the case of the annual safety inspection that means examining not just the lifting systems and components (including mast, forks, and chains covered by LOLER), but also the steering, braking and traction systems, along with overhead guards, wheels, tyres, seats, etc, in order to comply with PUWER.

“In terms of frequency, a Thorough Examination will need to be conducted at least every 12 months (starting, unlike a car’s MOT, in year one). However, the precise frequency will depend on several factors including the nature of the work undertaken, hours used per week, and the environment.”

For more information, visit www.thoroughexamination.org