News from MLA Holding Australia's Largest Forklift Supplier

Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Update for MLA Customers

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A letter to our customers from MLA Holdings Managing Director:

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20th March 2020

 

Dear Customer,                                            

 As a valued MLA customer, we hope that you or your business have not been adversely affected by COVID-19 (coronavirus) and the associated operational impediments with suppliers and logistics. We understand however that many businesses will experience significant disruption. With COVID-19 being declared by the World Health Organisation as a pandemic, the continued spread of the virus is a deep and ongoing concern for not only public safety but also business operations.

We would like to assure you that it is currently business as usual at MLA. We are committed to ensuring that the virus minimally impacts our overall operations and we appreciate your understanding during these uncertain times and rest assured we will continue to support you and your business moving forward.


MLA affirms that all staff have been well-trained and educated in terms of COVID-19 and ensuring that they follow strict guidelines. These guidelines are consistent with the Department of Health’s instruction to adhere to necessary levels of social distancing, maintaining strict hand sanitation, avoidance of touching their face, and reporting any remotely flu-like symptoms to their supervisor immediately. Our specialist technical staff, who attend your sites, remain on continuous education and communication programs and are travelling with ‘appropriate hygiene PPE’ so as to contribute towards flattening the curve of the COVID-19 spread.

We request that you communicate in advance to MLA if possible, any site-specific safety protocols that our staff will need to follow on site to either maintain or repair equipment. Additionally, we request your company to adhere to the following processes to mitigate risks:

-          One site contact only

-          No hand shaking

-          Enforcing social distancing of a minimum of 1.5 meters

-          Equipment is to be isolated and have an exclusion zone for our staff member at all times

We are continually monitoring the latest information from the State Health Departments, and our team will respond quickly to any changes in their advice and provide updates which may impact you. It is an extraordinary time and, in the face of the unknown, we are committed to doing everything we can to contribute to maintaining the health of our employees and the wider community. We need to stay calm and work together in partnership.

Again, it is currently business as usual at MLA. Please do not hesitate to contact your local MLA representative should you have any questions. Stay safe.


Matthew Saunders


Managing Director


MLA Holdings Pty Ltd ABN 47 002 095 856

Head Office: 10 Walker Place, Wetherill Park NSW 2164, Locked Bag 3000, Wetherill Park 2164

Phone Nationwide: 1300 000 652 – Website: mlaholdings.com.au

Victoria: 43 Wright Road, Keilor Park 3042 Queensland: 247 Monier Road, Darra 4076

South Australia: 585 South Rd, Regency Park SA 5010 Western Australia: 229 Barrington St, Bibra Lake WA 6163

Gold Coast: 8 Trade Ct, Molendinar QLD 4214 Newcastle: 29 Rural Drive, Sandgate, NSW 2304

Service Mechanic Technician - Forklift, Automotive & Heavy Vehicle

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 Capture 4

Service Mechanic Technician - Forklift, Automotive & Heavy Vehicle

 

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Service Mechanic Technician - Forklift, Automotive & Heavy Vehicle

MLA Holdings Pty Ltd is the exclusive distributor of the Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks and Vulcan Container Handling Forklift Trucks in Australia.

We are currently seeking a Service Technician to join our friendly Keilor Park service team.

Our work is diverse and the machines range from forklifts to large container handling forklifts.  

Responsibilities:
• Effectively complete preventative maintenance & repairs to OEM standards
• Ensure on site safety principles and standards are adhered to at all times
• Must be able to carry out diagnostic analysis, mechanical and technical repairs as directed on all variations of mobile equipment. 
• Must be able to work in a supportive team environment
• Work overtime when required  
• Carry out their tasks in a safe and efficient manner
• Pride in your work and presentation

Qualifications
• Trade Certificate in Heavy Vehicles, Plant, Motor Mechanic (or equivalent)
• Experience & knowledge of hydraulics, pneumatic and electrical systems
• Experience & knowledge of fault diagnostics and software
• Must be a Safety driven individual with through knowledge of all OH&S policies and
procedures , including hazard identification & risk assessment training.

A very attractive hourly rate will be offered to the successful candidate.

To discuss this opportunity in confidence, please contact Roley Gill on 0438 645 341 or apply below for immediate consideration.











 
 
 
 

Forklift Safety procedures: How to make sure no one gets hurt on-site

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 march 20202march 20203

Forklifts are extremely heavy vehicles. They’re used to lift, stack and transfer heavy loads in worksites such as warehouses, factories and shipping yards. If you own a business that uses forklifts on site, you know they’re dangerous when they aren’t treated with respect.

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Forklifts are extremely heavy vehicles. They’re used to lift, stack and transfer heavy loads in worksites such as warehouses, factories and shipping yards. If you own a business that uses forklifts on site, you know they’re dangerous when they aren’t treated with respect. You know they can inflict serious damage upon worksite property and worse, cause injuries or even death. The human and financial cost of forklift-related accidents is immense. But the reality is, many forklift incidents could be avoided if operators followed best-practice forklift safety procedures. Here are some of our top tips to help you improve forklift safety procedures to stop workers getting hurt.

Forklift Safety tip no. 1: Stabilise your forklift loads and use attachments
One of the greatest dangers a worker can face is a falling load. Pedestrian workers are most at risk when they’re trying to help the forklift operator load or unload heavy materials off the forklift. If a load isn’t secured properly, it can slip and fall on the worker. Workers are also at risk when the forklift is being used in ways the manufacturer didn’t intend. When workers use a forklift to lift more than it was designed to, it can cause the forklift to tip over.
Businesses must supply the appropriate attachments for certain kinds of loads. If you can see your workers are unsure of how the attachments work, provide training as soon as possible. Overall, make sure workers never overload forklifts. They need to stabilise loads before moving them and to use the right attachments when required.

Forklift Safety tip no. 2: Designate exclusion zones to keep forklifts away from people
If pedestrians aren’t around forklifts, the likelihood of an accident resulting in injury or death is dramatically decreased. To keep them separated, designate exclusion or safety zones for both forklift operators and pedestrians. Make sure your people are where they should be at all times. To do so, you can use physical barriers including:


• Fences & guardrails
• Bright tape stuck to the floor
• Boom gates and traffic lights.

Another reliable method of keeping pedestrians away from forklifts is to build overhead walkways. You’ll be giving your workers a way to walk over the area where heavy vehicles operate. Finally, make sure your workers comply with the rules and regulations of your workplace at all times.

Forklift Safety tip no. 3: Make sure all forklift drivers use safety belts
In a worst-case scenario where a forklift tips over or collides with a wall, a seatbelt can save the driver from getting injured or killed. The seatbelt will stop the driver from being thrown out of the forklift. If a heavy load happens to fall, the seatbelt will also keep the driver out harm’s way.
Businesses need to ensure forklift operators wear seatbelts at all times. Make it compulsory while operating forklifts. Make it a rule. Ensure compliance by reminding workers with signs placed all around your worksite. Lastly, double check all seatbelts in all forklifts to make sure they’re fitted correctly. In a worst-case scenario, a seatbelt that does its job will save lives. If your forklifts happen to not have any seatbelts, install them as per the forklift manufacturer’s instructions.

Forklift Safety tip no. 4: Separate people from forklifts using pedestrian warning systems
It’s often difficult to separate pedestrians from forklifts and other heavy plant. A lot of situations and sites require pedestrians and heavy vehicles to work in close proximity. Your workers are only human; the risk of injury or death will always be prominent on your worksite. Because of this, you need to protect people from the accidents that may come from poor visibility, blind-spots, fatigue, inattention and non-compliance. One of the best ways to stop a worst-case scenario from eventuating, is to utilise pedestrian safety warning systems as an on-site control.

MLA Holdings Pty Ltd can provide you with safety compliance, monitoring and safety prevention advice. Contact us today and see how we can help keep your employees and business safe. Information from for this article was sourced from www.baysidegroup.com.au

Download pdf here.

How to ensure forklift safety in the workplace

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 imageedit 4 4782782522feb safety 2020

No matter how experienced your employees, working with forklifts can pose a serious hazard to staff safety. This machinery doesn’t just pose a threat to those operating the machinery, but to pedestrians that are exposed to them in the working environment. Forklifts weigh upwards of 2,000 kilograms, with this number increasing when carrying a load. Their rear counterweights can turn quickly, take time to stop and have several blind spots. All these factors make operating forklifts safely and working around them with care absolutely vital. Here are some tips to improve forklift safety procedures and processes that can mitigate the risk of injury in the workplace.

  


imageedit 4 4782782522No matter how experienced your employees, working with forklifts can pose a serious hazard to staff safety. This machinery doesn’t just pose a threat to those operating the machinery, but to pedestrians that are exposed to them in the working environment. Forklifts weigh upwards of 2,000 kilograms, with this number increasing when carrying a load. Their rear counterweights can turn quickly, take time to stop and have several blind spots. All these factors make operating forklifts safely and working around them with care absolutely vital. Here are some tips to improve forklift safety procedures and processes that can mitigate the risk of injury in the workplace.

Ensure all operators are qualified
It is imperative that everyone who operates a forklift in the workplace possesses an up-to-date licence permitting them to do so. Each state in Australia has its own laws regarding the type of licence required to operate a forklift, so make sure to familiarise yourself with the one which applies to you. It is not sufficient that there is a licensed operator somewhere on the premises. WorkSafe has a zero-tolerance policy on unsafe or illegal operation of forklifts, dramatically increasing the risk of prosecution for those who cause or tolerate non-compliance with health and safety laws.

Stabilise forklift loads and attachments
One of the major causes of forklift injury is improper loading that results in loads fallings from forklifts and crushing operators or other staff. Heavy loads that are not secured correctly are a huge risk to pedestrian staff when attempting to help the forklift operator unload or load goods onto a forklift. Your effective forklift safety strategy should ensure that appropriate attachments are used when loading specific types of goods. Any employees who are unsure of how to use such attachments should be trained to do so before they attempt to operate the machinery. It is also important that employees never attempt to overload a forklift and that all loads be correctly stabilised before moving off.

Set up safety exclusion zones

Pedestrian workers and forklifts don’t mix. For this reason, the two should be separated in the workplace as much as is feasible to minimise the risk of injury and likelihood of accidents. Establishing designated safety exclusion zones for both pedestrians and forklifts should be part of every employers’ forklift safety strategy. There are several ways this can be done, including creating physical barriers such as fences, guardrails, boom gates, and even bright tape stuck to the floor. Another option is to create overhead walkways that keep pedestrians elevated above heavy machinery.

Pedestrian training

Any employee who is exposed to forklifts in the workplace should undertake correct training that makes them aware of the dangers associated with forklifts and how to best manage and mitigate these risks. Ensure that staff are aware that they should only be close to forklifts if absolutely necessary, that they know the forklift blind spots and, if they do assist in loading/unloading, they are taught the safest method to do so. In any situation, an employee should never be forced to work with a forklift if they feel unsafe or unsure.

Complete a checklist
Completing a forklift safety checklist should be part of every operator’s daily routine. Before starting a shift, all operators should check their forklift is in safe working order, ready to be used and capable of completing the tasks required of it. Contact MLA who can provide your business with a forklift safety checklist that meets State based legislative requirements, designed to reduce hazards in the workplace.

Driving a forklift on the road
It is important for an employer to note that if a forklift has to be driven outside the workplace on a public road, it must be registered and have number plates. In addition to holding a current forklift licence, the operator must also hold a current driver’s licence.

MLA Holdings Pty Ltd can provide you with safety compliance and monitoring and safety prevention. Contact us today and see how we can help keep your employees and business safe. Information from for this article was sourced from www.baysidegroup.com.au.

Download pdf here.

Forklift Safety Rules

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 jan 2020January 2020

 A simple traffic plan with separate driving and walking routes prevents collisions.  

 

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What are the keys to forklift safety?
Safety and health need to be top of mind when it comes to operating a forklift, and it’s vital to make sure your operators are safely utilizing the forklifts in your fleet. The information provided below should be treated as “general” guidance. Always refer to the forklift operator’s manual for specific safe operating instructions.

BEFORE YOU START
Certification. Forklift safety begins with qualified operators. Everyone who drives a forklift needs to be licensed to operate the equipment. Qualified drivers will make better decisions which keeps them, and others, safe.
Dress appropriately. Operating a forklift requires protective gear to maintain driver safety. Make sure all drivers are aware of the requirements, such as protective clothing like hard hats, steel-toed shoes and a safety vest. Always check hands and feet for grease or oil before entering.
Use a checklist. Before beginning a shift, drivers should ensure that equipment is fully functional by running through a pre-shift checklist. A good option is to install the MLA FleetControl forklift fleet management system that allows the checklist to be completed and recorded online.


STARTUP
Use available safety features. When entering a forklift, operators should always make use of the available steps and hand grabs to properly situate themselves. Use the three-point method: grab the assist grip with your left hand, the hip restraint with your right hand and step up into the truck. Once inside the forklift, the operator should ensure all controls are comfortably within reach and make any necessary adjustments to the mirrors, so they have a full range of view before starting the truck. Operators must always use the forklift’s operator seat belt or restraint system.

WHEN YOU’RE UP AND RUNNING

Stay within the compartment. Drivers should always stay inside the operator compartment, and never reach into moving parts of the truck.
Pay attention to surroundings. Operators need to pay close attention to all work site rules and guidelines, and be highly aware of all posted signs, particularly for speed, maximum permitted loads and clearance heights and pay close attention for wet or uneven terrain.

Move cautiously. Drivers should always pay close attention to posted speed limits and obey them. Stopping or changing direction should be done in slow, controlled movements. When traveling, keep the forks in a low position and sound the horn and slow down when approaching pedestrian walkways, intersections, blind corners, door and ramp openings, other vehicles and when backing up.

Manage the load correctly. Operators should ensure that each load is stable and secure, with the load tilted back against the forks before moving. Drivers need to be aware of their forklift’s capacity to ensure that they never overload it, which may tip the truck over or cause the operator to lose control.

Keep others clear of the mast. When the mast is up operators must make certain that no one walks under the mast or stands near the truck.
Refuel and recharge smartly. When a forklift is recharging or refuelling, make sure that the forklift is turned off and in the designated recharging or refuelling location where no open flames or sparks are permitted.
Have a question about forklift safety rules? Please contact MLA on 1300 000 652 or www.mlaholdings.com.au. Information for this article was sourced from www.mcfa.com.

Download pdf here.

December 2019 Newsletter

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Ken's Korner, Looking back over the years, New Managing Director: Matt Saunders, Congratulations Steve Cook on 30 years service, December 2019 issue of the MLA Newsletter:


 

Ken's Korner

MLA is 40 years old this year.

A long time. Yes, but for the owner of our company, Tercia and Company Ltd (and myself) it all started 50 years ago.

For the full article please download the pdf here.

 

Looking back over the years

Ken Rathgen’ long association with Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks started with Brambles Limited almost 10 years before the creation of MLA Holdings Pty Ltd. In 1970 Mitsubishi had commenced manufacturing Forklifts of quality in Japan. In 1980 Masuda-san, from Japanese trading company T. Chatani & Co Ltd, invited Ken to head up their new venture distributing Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks in Australia. The first Chairman of MLA was Mr Kanamori and Mike Itani was a founding Director of the company only retiring from this role in 2017.

Mr Kanamori and Masuda-san at T Chatani  Co Office

For the full article please download the pdf here.

 

New Managing Director: Matt Saunders

We're pleased to announce that, as Ken Rathgen retires after 40 years at the helm of MLA Holdings Pty Ltd, Matt Saunders steps up into the role of Managing Director from January 1st, 2020...


matt saunders

For the full article please download the pdf here.

 

Congratulations Steve Cook on 30 years Service!

At MLA Holdings, we understand that our staff are our greatest asset, and we are thrilled to honour Steve’s 30-year dedicated service and commitment to MLA. It is our valued staff whose commitment to MLA’s missionand values that make MLA the organisation it is today....

steve cook

For the full Article please download the pdf here.