News from MLA Holding Australia's Largest Forklift Supplier

Working with Forklifts

Posted in News


 forkliftAugust 2018   

The purpose of this alert is to remind forklift users of the inherent dangers of using a forklift.


Background

WorkCover recently responded to two incidents where, in each incident, a worker was injured while a load was being shifted nearby with a forklift. In the first incident, a worker received crush injuries when chains used to suspend the load slipped off the tynes, causing the load to fall. In the second incident, while attempting to place a heavy concrete pit onto a rack with a forklift, the pit toppled onto a worker.

Contributing factors

Investigations are continuing. However, in both incidents, the procedures for lifting, transporting and lowering the load did not ensure the stability of the load at all times. Also, other workers near the forklift were not safely positioned.

Action required

Employers and workers who operate forklifts should note the following:

·         Employers must ensure that plant is safe when properly used. They must develop and implement safe systems of work and ensure that employees are provided with the information, instruction, training and supervision that’s required to ensure their health and safety at work.

·         Forklift operators must be trained and hold a relevant license. They also must be competent at operating the forklift in the environments in which they are required to work.

·         Before lifting a load, the weight, size, shape and composition of a load should be considered, along with the terrain that the forklift will be travelling over. Loads must only be lifted, carried and stored in a manner that ensures stability at all times.

·         When carrying loads, avoid sudden or heavy braking that could cause the load to slide forwards.

·         Employers must provide appropriate equipment to lift and transport loads, which for forklifts could mean using specially designed attachments when the tynes alone are not suitable. However, attachments must only be used if such use is allowed by the manufacturer. Load rating for the combined use of the attachment with the forklift should be prominently displayed.

·         Slip on attachments should be secured to prevent accidental disengagement from the supporting tynes. Do not sling loads from tynes, as there may be a risk of the sling sliding off the tines. If necessary (and allowed by the manufacturer), use a jib or other specifically designed attachment to carry underslung loads.

·         Employers must implement controls to prevent forklifts colliding with pedestrians or other mobile plant. These could include traffic management plans, signage, proximity warning devices, ‘no-go’ and ‘pedestrian only’ areas, site layout, using safely positioned spotters and other similar measures

·         Forklifts have numerous blind spots, especially if the carried load obstructs forward view. Operators should ensure other persons are excluded from the area and, remain in view at all times.

MLA Holdings Pty Ltd takes forklift safety seriously. That is why we are partnered with a leading manufacturer of forklift products and attachments, who has developed Magnetic Fork Covers. The forklift operator can install the magnetic covers on the forks in a matter of seconds, improving stability and decreasing the chances of the load slipping off the forks.

For further forklift safety information contact MLA on 131 652 or www.mlaholdings.com.au. Information for this article was sourced from www.safety.unsw.edu.au.

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Classic Forklifts Pty Ltd becomes Classic MLA

Posted in News


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Classic Forklifts Pty Ltd becomes Classic MLA - Featured in the Gold Coast Bulletin.
   


Classic Press Release

 

SafeWork NSW launches forklift safety blitz

Posted in News


 caution safetyMay 2018 1   

SafeWork NSW has launched a week-long fork lift safety blitz after three workers were killed and more than 1,300 were injured in two years.

The blitz is part of SafeWork’s ‘Take forking seriously’ program aimed at reducing deaths and injuries from forklifts and will see inspectors visit Sydney businesses to check they are meeting safety and licensing laws.

Between July 2014 and July 2016, 1,355 workers were injured in forklift incidents, which tragically included three fatalities, and cost the NSW workers compensation system more than $30.5 million.
Executive Director of SafeWork NSW, Peter Dunphy said too many workers were being injured and killed in incidents involving forklifts.

“Despite the inherent dangers of forklifts in the workplace, we strongly believe incidents can be reduced,” Mr Dunphy said.

In March 2018, inspectors checked that Sydney businesses are complying with safety and licensing laws as well as outlining some of the support available to improve forklift safety.

During 2017 four NSW businesses were prosecuted by SafeWork NSW and fined a total of $835,000 for incidents where workers were injured or killed by a forklift.

Truck driver, Rami Eayla suffered a fractured leg when he was struck by glass panels that were not adequately restrained on a forklift operated by an unlicensed forklift driver at City Projects Pty Ltd.

Mr Dunphy said businesses should have a traffic management plan that separates pedestrians and vehicles to help prevent incidents.

“A traffic management plan should include signage, ‘no go’ zones, use of pedestrian walkways, and exclusion zones during loading and unloading.

“Businesses should also ensure forklift operators have a current and valid licence, and always wear a seat belt.

“At the end of the day, safety is everyone’s responsibility. All workplaces have an obligation to help prevent more workers from being injured or killed on the job."

MLA Holdings takes forklift safety seriously. That is why we agree that all forklift operators must have acurrent and valid licence and always wear seat belts. MLA encourages businesses to have traffic management plans to ensure forklift operator and pedestrian safety.

MLA FleetControl is a fleet management system that restricts the use of equipment to only authorised
operators.

For further forklift safety information contact MLA Holdings on 131 652 or
www.mlaholdings.com.au.Information for this article was sourced from  www.safework.nsw.gov.au.

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Uncontrolled movement of vehicles

Posted in News


 engin-manutention.jpgapril1   

Each year people suffer serious and fatal injuries in NSW due to incidents involving the uncontrolled movement (roll away) of vehicles, including cars, trucks, buses, vans, forklifts, tractors, mobile cranes etc. In most incidents the operator was not in the driver’s seat at the time of the incident.


Contributing factors
The uncontrolled movement of a vehicle can occur due to any singular or combination of reasons, including;
  • the operator not engaging the parking brake, or not engaging the parking brake sufficiently;

  • the vehicle being left in gear when exiting the vehicle;

  • not parking on a level surface;

  • inadequate inspection and maintenance of the braking system;

  • Inadequate design integrity of interlocked braking systems, i.e. the brakes can be intentionally or unintentionally released by the operator’s actions;

  • loads added to or removed from a vehicle that is supported by stabilisers /outriggers on an inclined surface;

  • forces imposed by the movement of parts of a vehicle supported by stabilisers or outriggers on an inclined surface;

  • failure of a component within the braking system;

Action required - operators

  • park the vehicle on level ground. Where it is not reasonably practicable to park the vehicle on level ground, be aware of the limitations of the vehicle including the maximum slope of the supporting surface and what to do when parking on a gradient;

  • always apply the parking brake when exiting the vehicle;

  • chock the wheels of vehicles and trailers before conducting inspection or maintenance activities;

Action required – persons with management or control of plant

  • ensure the vehicle is inspected and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations;

  • be familiar with the components and limitations of the braking system;

  • consider the implementation of aftermarket controls that minimise the risk of uncontrolled movement of vehicles;

  • develop site specific parking locations and procedures in consultation with workers;

  • ensure your workers have the necessary training, experience and supervision to identify hazards to control the risks associated with the uncontrolled movement of vehicles;

  • routinely monitor and review all control measures;

MLA Holdings can provide further operator protection from uncontrolled movement of vehicles. Mitsubishi forklift trucks series now feature an Integrated Presence System (IPS) to minimise accidents caused by remote human error. The IPS focuses on immobilising the movement of the forklift truck and its hydraulic functions when the operator leaves their seat and sounding an audible alarm if the Park Brake is not applied.

Information for this article was sourced from www.safework.nsw.gov.au. For further forklift safety information contact MLA Holdings on 131 652 or www.mlaholdings.com.au.

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Introducing a New Age of Forklifts Powered by Lithium-ion Batteries

Posted in News


 Capture  
Look around you. Virtually everything that you see has at one point been moved by a forklift, whether it be its components or as a finished product.

Look around you. Virtually everything that you see has at one point been moved by a forklift, whether it be its components or as a finished product.

To most people, forklifts are the invisible muscle in the production chain, so not surprisingly we can overlook how new technology is delivering on efficiency, safety and sustainability.

A perfect example is the application of new generation Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, which we’re more familiar with in mobile phones and laptops. 

For over 100 years, lead acid batteries have been the mainstay of the world’s transport industries, and they have been successfully deployed in forklifts since the industry’s inception in the 1920s.

Now, Li-ion batteries have reached our industry, offering compelling advantages. And we are pleased to announce that Li-ion powered pallet movers and stackers are available in Australia thanks to MLA Holdings’ exclusive dealer partnership with Noblelift. 

This giant of the industrial equipment manufacturing sector has a reputation for pursuing technical innovation, sustainability and excellence. One outcome of its heavy investment in research and development is the pedestrian range of Noblelift machines incorporating Li-ion batteries.

Thanks to their Li-ion batteries, these machines offer valuable advantages over traditional lead acid battery alternatives, including rapid charging, longer run time, zero maintenance, improved workplace safety and absence of emissions.

They have several advantages in any industrial setting, and are unquestionably a perfect fit for sensitive industries, such as food and pharmaceuticals. 

Advantages of Lithium-ion Batteries 
  • Longer run times for vehicles (up to 5 x longer)
  • Zero maintenance (no monitoring of acid and water)
  • Reduced hazard exposure for operators
  • Suitable for rapid charging
  • No harmful gas emissions

MLA has a full range of Noblelift Li-ion pedestrian operated machines available.

The smallest in the range of Li-ion powered pedestrian pallet movers is the PT12Li.

It is the ideal choice for pallet transportation over short-distance or in confined spaces. With its environmentally-friendly Li-ion battery, it is especially suitable for the food, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries where clean working environments are paramount.

The agile PT12Li excels in performance and reliability. With a capacity of 1.2T, this ergonomic pallet mover uses core components from world leading brands, allowing for easy maintenance and reliable performance. CAN-bus (Controller Area Network) technology and the safety of a low positioned tiller that allows for a small turning radius, makes the PT12Li a perfect match for confined spaces. 

Its other advantages include the capacity for “opportunity charging” with no risk of battery damage occurring. This means a battery can be charged during breaks and other down times, eliminating the need to swap batteries in and out of machines. Li-ion batteries delivers substantially longer run times, up to five times greater than lead acid batteries, and they don’t contain acid or require water, so are 100% maintenance free.

The biggest machine in this range is the PT16L-25L series with a capacity of up to 2.5t and is the first choice for truck loading and unloading as well for pallet transportation on short distances.The PS14 RP Reach Stacker comes with a high-performance AC drive system, electric power steering and all lifting and travel options. These combined make the total logistics performance of this forklift impeccable.

While the initial purchase cost of Li-ion battery machines is higher than for forklifts with traditional lead-acid batteries it remains a smart investment considering the longer run times, improved operator safety and increased productivity through rapid charging.

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Separating Pedestrians and Forklifts

Posted in News


 march 2march   

A high percentage of accidents involving forklifts also involve pedestrians. On average up to 50% of forklift accidents are pedestrian related, resulting in many serious injuries and fatalities every year.  The most common pedestrian related accidents involve crushing, falling objects, and running over pedestrians’ feet.


The best way to reduce these accidents is to effectively separate pedestrians and forklifts, and the best way to do that is to have an effective traffic management plan in place at your workplace. WorkCover NSW defines a traffic management plan as; “A set of rules for managing the safest and most efficient movement of traffic in your workplace.” They recommend using the four SAFE Steps of hazard management, which consist of;
  • Spot the Hazard – associated with the movement of forklifts, other vehicles and pedestrians.
  • Assess the Risk – caused by these hazards.
  • Fix the Problem – the most effective way to control risks is to eliminate them.
  • Evaluate Results – ensure control measures have been implemented and are not creating new hazards.
WorkCover NSW suggests that the SAFE process be repeated at regular intervals.
There are many other factors to consider for your traffic management plan to ensure that forklifts and pedestrians are separated and their paths don’t cross, including but not limited to;
  • Create ‘no go’ zones for forklifts (pedestrian only areas).
  • Create ‘no go’ zones for pedestrians (forklift only areas).
  • Using safety signs, high impact physical safety barriers and boom gates.
  • Using speed-limiting devices and implementing speed limits.
  • Using a combination of audible (alarms and horns) and visual (flashing lights) warning devices and ensuring these are working when the forklift is operating.
  • Providing high-visibility or reflective clothing for workers and operators and high-visibility markings for the forklift trucks.
  • Work scheduling that prevents pedestrians being in the same area at the same time as operating forklifts.

A combined effort from operators, pedestrians and supervisors is needed to ensure that a separation of forklifts and pedestrians is achieved. Supervisors must ensure that employees observe exclusion zones and follow safety procedures at all times. Do not wait until an injury or death occurs at your workplace before separating pedestrians and forklifts.   All forklifts supplied by MLA Holdings are fitted with audible and visual warning devices. Options such as cameras and speed-limiting devices are also available.  

Information for this article was sourced from www.workcover.nsw.gov.au and www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au. For more information on effective traffic management plans contact MLA Holdings on 131 652 or www.mlaholdings.com.au.

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