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14 Health & Safety
INBRIEF
Agency workers
As from 27 October
2008, agency workers
on contracts of
less than 3 months
became entitled to
receive statutory sick
pay from day one of
their employment
(subject to meeting
the standard entitlement
rules).
From December 2011
at the latest, they will
also have the right to
the same pay and
conditions as their
colleagues after 12
weeks' employment.
Go to prison
The Corporate
Manslaughter and
Corporate Homicide
Act, which came into
effect on 6 April 2008
created a new corporate
manslaughter
offence and seeks to
make it easier for
companies to be convicted
of manslaughter
for work-related
deaths and injuries.
The Health and
Safety (Offences) Act
2008, which comes
into force on 16
January 2009, and
applies to offences
committed after this
date, means that
anyone convicted of
a safety offence
could be imprisoned,
and not just fined, as
in the past.
FORKLIFT TRUCKS
New booklet
aimed at
reducing
forklift
casualties
A new employee safety
booklet aimed at cutting
the number of accidents
involving fork lift trucks at
businesses across the UK
has been launched by the
Fork Lift Truck
Association.
Employee Safety:
Working with Fork Lift
Trucks is the latest publication
in the FLTA’s
Operator/Employee
Safety series which covers
subjects including counterbalance
trucks, daily or
pre-shift checks and
warehouse lifting equipment.
The booklet has been
written in two parts. The
first section is aimed at
employees and provides
them with the basic information
they should know
for their own safety and
that of others around
them. It is specifically
aimed at those working
alongside fork lift trucks.
“Hundreds of employees
are left seriously
injured by fork lift trucks
each year,” explains FLTA
Chairman David Ellison.
“Many of the injuries sustained
lead to disability –
and in some cases death.
Sadly, many of these
employees weren’t operating
the truck at the time –
they just happened to get
in the way.
“For their own safety,
and that of others, anyone
working near a fork
lift truck should be familiar
with their dangers –
and dangerous practices
– which are outlined and
illustrated clearly in the
booklet.
“Pedestrians often don’t
understand the dangers
associated with fork lift
operations. Forklift
trucks and pedestrians
simply don’t mix – and
that is the problem.
“Although the best
advice is to keep well
clear of any fork lift in
operation, we are aware
that sometimes it’s
unavoidable. So, we
have included some simple
and easy-to-remember
tips that could save a
life – or a
limb.”
The booklet’s second
part, directed at employers,
examines legal
responsibilities, safety
equipment and safety
resources. Safe practice
is strongly encouraged
through the exploration of
health and safety issues.
“Understanding the relevant
facts is essential for
any employer with fork
lift trucks operating in
the workplace,” says
David Ellison. “It
places them in a better
position to help protect
all of their employees,
and others, who may
come into contact with
their trucks.”
Copies of the new
booklet are priced at
£1.50 each or £67.50 for
a pack of 50.
To order Employee Safety:
Working with Fork Lift
Trucks email mail@forktruck.org.uk
or call the
FLTA office on 01256
381441.
January 2009
www.ukwa.org.uk
November/December2006