Previously known as the FLTA National Forklift Safety Convention, the UKMHA Forklift Safety Convention is the most authoritative event of its kind in the materials handling calendar. It will see hundreds of managers, from across the UK, come together to share best practice advice.

The event is part of the Association’s drive to large-scale change for the better and this year’s event will be focussed on operator training and will coincide with National Forklift Safety Day. Collectively, Safety Convention delegates are responsible for the lives of many thousands of workers across the UK. It is crucial that they have the very best, most practical and valuable information and this is exactly what the Safety Convention strives to do.

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The UK Material Handling Association (UKMHA), the trade body representing all aspects of the UK’s material handling industry, has alerted lift truck operators to important changes in the permitted use of rebated fuels, such as red diesel.

The association said the government had announced restrictions on the use of red diesel in a move which Westminster claims more fairly reflects the harmful impact of diesel emissions. The changes are intended to incentivise users to improve the energy efficiency of their operations. The government said it also hoped the changes would encourage operators to invest in cleaner alternatives or more fuel-efficient machines.

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The warning comes after the Health & Safety Executive successfully prosecuted the owners of a fencing business following an accident at their premises in which an employee died after being crushed by falling timber.

The accident occurred at PA Fencing Ltd in Bristol in 2017. The deceased, Roderick McKenzie Hopes, was working in a yard at the company’s premises when a telehandler being used to move timber exceeded its rated capacity and tipped over. In doing so, the truck toppled onto stacked timber which fell onto Mr Hopes resulting in his death...

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This year has been a momentous one for the UK material handling industry. What better time can there be therefore, for the arrival of a new association dedicated to promoting and upholding the interests of this important industry.

Merging to form the new UK Material Handling Association (UKMHA), are the industry's two most respected trade associations, the British Industrial Truck Association (BITA) and the Fork Lift Truck Association (FLTA), together with their co-owned subsidiary, Consolidated Fork Truck Services (CFTS), the accrediting body introduced to deliver the first national procedure for Thorough Examination...

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As part of its ongoing commitment to promote good safety protocols throughout the material handling industry, National Forklift Safety Day (NFSD) returns for 2021 with a new theme focussed on ensuring that all material handling equipment (MHE) remains safe for use.

NFSD 2021 takes place on Tuesday 8th June and for the first time is being promoted by the UK Material Handling Association, the new voice in UK material handling formed by the merger of the industry’s two most respected trade associations – BITA (British Industrial Truck Association) and the FLTA (Fork Lift Truck Association)...

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Research by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) shows that stress is the biggest cause of long-term absence in white collar employees and the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development has found that stress is the second biggest cause of long-term sick leave for manual workers.

UKMHA is proud to be supporting Mental Health Awareness Week by providing the important information and links on tackling workplace stress and wellbeing...

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The UK material handling industry can look forward to a better 2021 but must remain resolute in the face of the ongoing pandemic and the bedding in of post-Brexit trade deals, the UK Material Handling Association (UKMHA) has said...

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A new era has dawned for the UK material handling industry with the official launch of a new trade association. The UK Material Handling Association (UKMHA) has been created to represent all the interests of the diverse material handling industry and to ensure it has a single, authoritative voice.

UKMHA has been formed following the merger between the material handling industry’s two most respected trade associations, the British Industrial Truck Association (BITA) and the Fork Lift Truck Association (FLTA), together with their co-owned subsidiary, Consolidated Fork Truck Services (CFTS), the accrediting body introduced to deliver the first national procedure for Thorough Examination...

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The Fork Lift Truck Association (FLTA) has revealed details of a comprehensive on-site Audit that demonstrates FLTA members work to “demonstrably higher standards” than non-compliant companies.

Tim Waples, Chief Executive of the FLTA explains: “There are many companies who can rent or sell you a forklift and each will tell you they’re the best. But few, if any, can back that up with solid evidence.

“Your local FLTA Member can. To gain and retain their membership, each must abide by a stringent Code of Practice and must successfully complete the FLTA Member Audit...

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Widespread industry engagement ensured the message of National Forklift Safety Day 2020 was delivered to an important audience despite the restrictions of lockdown.

Once again championed by the British Industrial Truck Association (BITA), the key message for this year’s campaign was – and remains - Management is responsible for segregating pedestrians from Materials Handling equipment...

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In what could lead to one of the most significant developments in recent years within the materials handling industry, the British Industrial Truck Association (BITA) and Fork Lift Truck Association (FLTA) have agreed to explore plans for a potential merger.

The announcement was made by James Clark, Secretary General of BITA and Tim Waples, Chief Executive of the FLTA following meetings of both Boards at IMHX 2019.

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