The Forklift Association News

Hydrogen - it's not as wacky as some might say

Wed, 24 Oct 2018 17:38:13 GMT

Stuff have today posted an excellent short article on possible roles for hydrogen to play in NZ. While it doesn't dive much into the specific applications, such as forklift fleets, it does point the way towards hydrogen becoming a more readily available option for powering equipment.

It's about a five minute read.... great job Patrick Smellie.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/108075481/giving-oxygen-to-hydrogen

Internet of Things in Supply Chain

Mon, 18 Jun 2018 18:37:49 GMT

This 'Internet of Things' concept had me baffled a bit at first. Using the the that if it looks like BS it may well be, I realised it was simply a phrase coined to describe connecting up bits of hardware that generate data, with a digital platform. In other words, its the internet applied to things rather than people. OK, so what?

Since the internet rumbled to life in the commercial world, it hasn't been hard to imagine a word where it allowed us more real time supply chain management. The reality is slower than you'd think, but gradually, we may be getting advantages from this.

The potential for an 'Internet of Things' digital platform for our supply chain operations is palpable, but it is very difficult to find anyone building systems with this end game in mind, let alone the whole result available now.

DB Schenker's weekly email newsletter has produced another solid piece which looks into the subject and is well worth the 10 minutes to read:

https://nowthatslogistics.com/db-schenker-news/how-the-internet-of-things-is-revolutionizing-logistics/

Glass houses, throwing stones ....

Thu, 31 May 2018 03:16:53 GMT

Last week Worksafe concluded their case with Toll Holdings after a tragic workplace accident nearly two years ago. The individual, his family and Toll have paid heavily. Worksafe naturally seek to publicise the findings so that others may learn.

There have been some commentators who have stood from afar and railed about the accident and Toll's role in it. I know very little of the events or the fallout from them, but I do a little of the company, its practices now and its people. To level criticism at them now without the benefit of a full understanding is unfair.

The complex and dynamic space which forklifts operate within freight operations is dangerous and very difficult to manage. Worksafe are of course correct in their assertion that separation of pedestrians is a requirement, but to slam Toll now beyond the Justice system as some people may seek, is a gross disregard for the all of the people involved. and Toll's efforts since that tragic day.

It's the people, the people, the people

Wed, 30 May 2018 23:14:31 GMT

A recent blog post from DB Schenker in Europe has a fairly challenging headline:

59% of supply chain executives feel that the success of their organizations will depend extensively on available talent by 2019.

Ouch.

We contrast that with the feedback we get from companies, and it generally goes along the lines of how hard it is to find good young people.

It seems there is a classic gulf arising between the number and increasing skill requirements of jobs, and the supply of 'good young people'. A quick TradeMe Jobs search lists about 1000 jobs for Supply Chain/Logistics this morning in Auckland alone.

This type of scenario is explained by misunderstandings. Let's face it, the industry does not make itself look attractive, nor explain the incredible variety of work, skills and opportunities within Supply Chain/Logistics.

The next misunderstanding, is the perception of young people, especially their attitudes. Are the attitudes of young people that radically different to those of an older generation? Perhaps in some ways? But their desires to earn a living, use their brain a bit and settle into a good job - that is no different to you and I when we fell out of education into the workforce. The biggest difference is that the pressure levels the young people are loaded with today are generally more than we had. The pressures of income, debt, education, family, church, peer and school demands are complex and constant. Adding to that lot, our homogeneous NZ society is now a multi-cultural whirlpool. There simply isn't one set of values about work that we all subscribe to - it's diverse, complex and interesting.

All up, it's a changed landscape but one which is really invigorating. To successfully get a young person to engage with your workplace, its systems and rules etc, it is going to require workplaces to make an effort to engage with them in their world. This doesn't mean massively changing what you do, quite the opposite, but genuinely finding ways to understand the individual as more than a productive unit. Find ways to respect more of their whole lives and you'll find a lasting engaged employee who will grow and add value in ways you only wish of now.

Forklift users find industry support (FTD Article)

Mon, 28 May 2018 01:26:35 GMT

Frustrated by an apparent lack of clarity, many forklift users have joined forces under a new industry association to find improvements in productivity and safety.

The Forklift Association (TFA) was established last year by industry stalwarts Andrew Stone and Stu Lees after feedback from companies that operate forklifts which indicated there were gaps in their understanding of how best to operate forklifts safely and efficiently.

“At times, as a customer of a forklift supplier, it is hard to be confident you have the right equipment, operating in the right way to get the optimal result for your business,” says Andrew Stone. “By establishing TFA, we’ve set out to bring fresh, independent advice to a market which has at times been less than ideal.”
TFA co-founder Andrew Stone: “We support our members by helping to develop safety leadership within their culture”

Recognising the common difficulties in procuring forklift equipment, Andrew says he and co-founder Stu Lees created TFA with the aim of focusing on the needs of those companies that use forklifts. Members currently range from very large organisations with multiple forklift brands and models to small warehouse operators with a single hard-working machine.

Read the Full Article on FTD Magazine

"SHE'LL BE RIGHT" DOESN'T STACK UP ANY MORE

Sun, 03 Dec 2017 19:02:39 GMT

"She'll be right", most definitely does not stack up any longer. "We can just get the old girl to do that lift" - should now be raising alarms. Forklifts which are getting by, just, are hiding an expense and a safety risk which is quickly becoming intolerable.

Businesses need forklifts. Practically every product bought and sold has been moved many times by forklifts. The entire supply chain is served by forklifts. Because they are durable and generally out of sight, they get as little attention as possible. Like the old tractor in the farm's back shed, they get the minimum attention to keep performing their same old duties.

Those days are definitely over. Two big waves of change are surging across companies which operate forklifts, which will require a new perspective in which forklifts are held.

The first and most critical is health and safety in the workplace. The impact of the HSWA 2015 cannot be understated. Not only for the company at whose site the forklifts are operated on, but also the suppliers, contractors and customers are potentially drawn into the question of accountability for workplace safety.

And here's the kicker. Workplace incidents related to operating forklifts are now right up there with quad bikes. We've asked for more data, but it seems the infamy of being the worst workplace hazard may now belong to the good old forklift, its operators and the site policies and procedures around its operations. Companies which operate forklifts are now front and centre as the focus for reducing workplace injuries and fatalities.

Known faults or inadequacies in a forklift, driver standards, or site practices must be remedied. The HSWA 2015 takes an exceedingly dim view of businesses which know of an issue, or should do, but do nothing or not enough to make it right. And rightly so. With the Act now being tested, the penalties are being found to be considerable. Worksafe are relentlessly bringing the HSWA 2015 to bear as they should. Companies which operate forklifts have an opportunity to show a new standard of operations or possibly have it forced upon them.

The second and perhaps more attractive side of the issue, is that forklift technology is accelerating as demands come on them for increased productivity and safety. A company operating forklifts does not need to have lead acid batteries a'la 1954 powering their fleet. Forklifts can run narrow aisles to great heights. Automation, voice control, traffic control - these are all features anyone considering using forklifts should be reviewing. There are levels of equipment productivity and safety available now which haven't been contemplated before.

It is a time in which the use of forklifts is making a step-change. "She'll be right" is becoming "It's the best".

IT’S TIME - NEW FOCUS ON SAFELY MANAGING HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES

Fri, 10 Nov 2017 00:04:59 GMT

On 1 December the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017 will come into force. The aim is to reduce both the immediate harm to people and longer-term illness caused by hazardous substances in the workplace.

It’s no small matter. A hazardous substance is any product or chemical that has explosive, flammable, oxidising, toxic or corrosive properties – and they’re everywhere. Around one in three New Zealand workplaces use, manufacture, handle or store them. This includes factories, farmers and growers, as well as printers, collision repairers, hairdressers and retailers. They are in commonly used products such as fuels and LPG, solvents, cleaning solutions and agrichemicals.

“Used safely, hazardous substances can contribute to the nation’s economic growth and prosperity,” WorkSafe’s General Manager Operations and Specialist Services Brett Murray says, “but they also pose real risks to the people working with or around them.

“The harm from inhaling toxic vapours or having contact with some substances is often unseen. Workers may be unaware they are being exposed, and the effects of exposure may not be seen for many years.”

Hazardous substances are a major contributor to the estimated 600-900 deaths and 30,000 cases of serious ill health from work-related disease each year in New Zealand. This is in addition to the fatalities and immediate harm through accidents, such as fires and explosions, and unsafe use.

“It’s time this changed,” says Mr Murray. “The Regulations bring an expectation on all those working with hazardous substances to know what those substances are, the risks they pose and how to manage those risks.”

What’s changing? On 1 December the rules for managing hazardous substances in the workplace are moving from the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 (HSNO) to the Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA). Many of the existing requirements will continue. However there are some changes to improve the management of these substances at work.

“If you use or store these substances, you need to look at what has changed under the new Regulations to ensure you are meeting your obligations to protect workers,” Mr Murray says.

As well as looking at what is changing, Mr Murray says people need to remember there is already legislation in place they should be complying with.

“If you are following the current rules, you may only need to do a few things differently, but now is the ideal time to review your management of hazardous substances and ensure you are doing your duty to protect people from harm.”

Businesses will already be familiar with the HSWA approach to managing work-related health and safety risks. From 1 December this includes hazardous substances. It’s another step in helping to ensure our people get home healthy and safe.

WorkSafe’s website has information, guidance and FAQs. Its online Hazardous Substances Toolbox has tools to help. You can also subscribe to the Hazardous Substances Update.

The Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017 are available on the New Zealand Legislation website.

Q & A

When do the Regulations come into force?

1 December 2017. There are some later commencement dates and transitional arrangements that have been summarised on the WorkSafe website.

What are hazardous substances?

Hazardous Substances are substances that are explosive, flammable, oxidising, toxic, or corrosive. (Substances toxic to the environment will continue to be regulated by the Environmental Protection Authority under the HNSO regime.)

A hazardous substance may be a single chemical or a mixture of both hazardous and non-hazardous chemicals.

Why this change?

Hazardous substances were identified by the Independent Task Force on Workplace Health and Safety (set up after the Pike River Mine explosion) as a key area of work-related health and safety that needs to improve.

The reforms will help reduce both immediate harm and longer term illnesses caused by the work-related use of hazardous substances. It will do this by simplifying the regulatory landscape for hazardous substances. This will make it simpler for businesses to understand their obligations and comply with the law by bringing different sets of rules together into one place.

What’s changing?

The rules for the work-related use of hazardous substances move from the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act 1996 to regulations under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA). Responsibility for administering those rules will shift from the Environmental Protection Authority to WorkSafe New Zealand. The regulations come into force on 1 December. Until then the rules under HSNO continue to apply.

It’s not about wholesale change. The work-related regulation of hazardous substances is moving from one Act and set of regulations to another, but with some changes. If you are complying with the current hazardous substances law, then you may not need to change a lot but this is an important time for all businesses to review their processes for keeping people safe around hazardous substances.

Who does it affect?

Organisations and individuals that manufacture, use, handle, store or supply hazardous substances. Some of the changes relate to specific substances, substance classes or quantities. The regulations also place duties on those who design, manufacture, construct, import, supply, install, or use equipment, such as tanks and cylinders used to contain hazardous substances, and their fittings.

What does it mean for the rules relating to the environment?

Environmental controls for hazardous substances will remain under the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).

CRITICAL TO ADDRESS THE RISKS FROM FORKLIFTS

Thu, 29 Jun 2017 13:00:00 GMT

There have been seven workplace fatalities involving moving machinery - such as forklifts - since the start of May, and WorkSafe New Zealand Chief Executive Nicole Rosie says she’s devastated for the families, colleagues and communities of these workers.

“I offer my heartfelt sympathies to everyone touched by these deaths,” she says.

During this period, one worker was fatally injured in an incident involving a forklift, and in the last eight weeks, WorkSafe has been notified of 16 other serious incidents involving these machines.

“Forklifts are a known risk – they’ve been killing and maiming people for many years, yet there is little evidence the risk they pose is being identified, let alone appropriately managed,” she says.

“Any business using forklifts should have them high on their critical risk list, put appropriate controls in place and monitor them for effectiveness,” she said.

“It is not good enough to put some lines of paint on the ground and leave it at that. Businesses must check that their controls are working.”

“It’s important to involve workers in the risk analysis as they’re the ones who most often identify these risks before they cause a serious injury or a death.”

This issue is neither new nor unique to New Zealand, as recent data on critical risks from Australia and the USA points to issues around mobile plant as significant injury creators.

Issues that WorkSafe inspectors are finding during site visits include:

no exclusion of workers from areas where forklifts are operating
a lack of operator training
loads obstructing the vision of the operator
unstable loads and slippery loads falling off
poor maintenance.

Article originally published by Worksafe New Zealand

www.worksafe.govt.nz