New guidelines for industry by industry

The inherent design and principles of a forklift haven’t changed some in decades but how we use them and how businesses operate have.

Google search forklift accidents in New Zealand and you’ll find a myriad of news stories and press releases about convictions.

WorkSafe New Zealand (WorkSafe) data will show that 127 employees across a range of industries have been seriously hurt since 2013 and a further 577 people have made claims to ACC for forklift-related incidents.

acceptance of industry, WorkSafe has yet to officially endorse the GPG as the replacement of the Approved Code of Practise of Forklift Training and Operations Practice (ACOP) since its submission earlier this year.

Until any such endorsement, the existing 1995 ACOP is unlikely to be revoked –meaning the industry is still legally governed by the present legislation.

However, NZFIA Chief Executive Rodney Grant believes the new guidelines will play a big part in modernising the industry, particularly helping to provide good practice for new operators before they commence work.

“We don’t necessarily have any sway to say to the industry, you must follow this document. But what we hope is, the marketplace will naturally follow them and realise that these guidelines are the result of consultation and feedback from all interested parties in the sector.

Rodney Grant Chief Executive NZFIA

Unfortunately, some of the incidents have resulted in fatalities, a tragedy for everyone involved – something the New Zealand Forklift Industry Association (NZFIA) wants to help in stopping.

Almost two years of industry consultation, workplace engagement and widespread feedback throughout the sector has culminated in a new set of modern, fitfor-purpose forklift operating guidelines, helping to bring the forklift industry into the 21st century.

The Forklift Good Practice Guidelines (GPG) provide many sectors within the industry with more information and support around forklift operations.

And while it has the wide support and

“We prefer to say good practice, rather than best practice and that’s deliberate. Good is measurable, but it’s difficult to say what is best – the goalposts always shift and there’s always an opportunity for people to find improvement or do better, so no one wants to boldly say, this is the best way to do something. Essentially, good is a great starting point, and that’s what we prefer to focus on.”

So, why should anyone need to know or care about the GPG? Mr Grant says it will help you as business managers/owners know what is considered “good” in the ownership and operation of a forklift.

“I think we all want the same, to have our teams go home each day without being hurt. This guideline does exactly that, gives you and your team the guidance to reduce the risk of harm.

“And some of the big shifts in thinking on the GPG are around the training of operators and ensuring they are measured in an easily recognised and consistent fashion.

“The GPG promotes the use of the NZQA unit standard framework for the assessment of operator competency. Ensuring your team is trained and assessed on the applicable type of forklift they typically operate and there is constant workplace training, to ensure competencies are kept current is important.

The NZFIA has training resources available to assist you with workplace-based competency assessment. Ensuring your workplace trainers are skilled and competent to assess is just as important as operator competency.”

Further, the NZFIA has put together the Silvercard Forklift Training program as a way of having operators trained to the levels