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Join the UKMHA

Membership Benefits: Membership of the UK Material Handling Association (UKMHA) provides your business with:

A cost-effective way to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the materials handling industry

Access to the most authoritative and definitive Fork Lift Truck Health and Safety information, best practice advice and Codes of Practice

Stay in the loop on legislative changes that affect you, your workplace practices and your staff

Join a network of the most respected and trusted companies in the fork lift truck industry

Insider knowledge, publicity and free, in-depth resources designed to help you work safer, faster and smarter

If you think your business could be improved by having constant access to any of the above, join the UKMHA and get all of this, and much more!

The Association offers a range of different membership categories designed to meet the needs and priorities of all businesses that employ fork lift trucks. Here is a very brief guide to the membership categories currently available.

Full list of UKMHA membership benefits

As a member of the UK Material Handling Association (UKMHA), you will be recognised as part of an organisation which insists on the highest standards of service, safety and conduct. You will have the right to carry the UKMHA marque – a sign of quality and trustworthiness which gives customers complete peace of mind. You will be seen as benefiting from the backing of the most authoritative body of its kind in Europe.

In practical terms, the initial value of joining the UKMHA has been calculated as at least £20,000 and there are also annual deliverables worth many thousands of pounds.

This website is a major benefit of membership. Entries in the Find Members or service sections, which includes an on-line directory and hyperlinks, provides contact opportunities for potential new customers.

Discounts
Members receive discounts on engineer training courses, store purchases, admission to UKMHA events, reduced fees for advertising in UPLIFT magazine and preferential rates for exhibition stands at the National Fork Lift Safety Convention.

Publications
Essential manuals and software, covering subjects such as Health and Safety, risk assessment, legislation and personnel management, are issued free to members and are updated free of charge. Additional copies are available at discount prices. Other regular publications include regular editions of the Uplift Members’ magazine, monthly updates on Health and Safety and Technical Bulletins on important issues.

Free Helplines
The Association provides free helplines to offer expert guidance on Health & Safety, Legal issues, Tax, VAT, Employment Law, HR and other questions of a professional nature.

Alerts
Security Alerts are communicated to all UKMHA members to notify them about stolen trucks or other forms of malpractice. The main inputs to this service come from the members themselves. The system can also be used to highlight issues concerning safety or other commercial matters.

Member Audit
UKMHA membership offers businesses a clear advantage in the marketplace, demonstrating to potential customers that the highest professional standards are maintained – of customer service, safety, environmental protection, and more. To ensure that these standards are upheld, the Association provides all Dealer Members with one free Member Audit.

Conducted by the UKMHA’s Quality Manager, this on-site evaluation not only ensures that Members are on the right side of sector-specific legal obligations, but also offers expert advice to help them work more effectively, more safely, and more profitably.

Fork Truck Watchdog
As a Member of the UKMHA you are automatically included in a nationwide scheme to help eliminate mis-selling, raise standards, and stamp down on rogue trading of new and used fork lift trucks in our industry.  

Training
A programme of courses for service engineers is administered by the UKMHA. The courses are run by Fork Lift Training Engineering Centre (F-TEC) at their facility in Swindon. Details are published in a course brochure and can be viewed on the website under training. Other professional courses are also run from time to time.

Apprenticeships
The Association is working hard to provide meaningful apprentice programmes for the industry. A fork lift truck specific apprenticeship, for young service engineers, is managed on our behalf by F-TEC.

Surveys
The Association carries out a number of regular surveys which are highly valued within the industry and whose detailed results are only made available to participating members.

Publicity
The Association employs a public relations and marketing company to maintain the UKMHA’s public profile and its prominence in the materials handling press. By constantly reinforcing the Fork Lift Truck Association brand, its work provides members with a marketing edge. Its work also includes managing the Annual Awards, running the Association website and providing other help and guidance.

Certificates
Framed membership and Code of Practice certificates are provided so that Association’s members can publicly display their membership.

Events
Events organised for members include the Awards, a National Conference, AGM and open meetings, factory visits and golf days. Regional Meetings ensure that all Members, regardless of location, have the opportunity to meet with the Association.

Website
This website is a major benefit of membership. Entries in the Find Members or service sections, which includes an on-line directory and hyperlinks, provides contact opportunities for potential new customers.

Our role
The role of the UK Material Handling Association is to raise standards within the materials handling industry.

The Association:
– Provides information and technical support to our members.
– Promotes best practice throughout the industry.
– Protects the interests of fork lift truck users.

Conduct
Members of the UK Material Handling Association are expected to achieve the highest standards of professional conduct, and must therefore adhere to a strict Code of Practice.  

Code of Practice
– Every UKMHA Full Member must adhere to a Code of Practice. They must:  
– Ensure fork lift trucks are delivered in a safe and serviceable condition.
– Satisfy themselves that the equipment is suitable for the intended application.
– Ensure maintenance and repair of fork lift trucks is only carried out by engineers who have relevant information, instruction and training.
– Ensure only suitably trained staff operate fork lift trucks.
– Carry out regular servicing as per contract.
– Carry out all Health & Safety requirements including Thorough Examination as appropriate.
– Use a hire contract which has been approved by the Fork Lift Truck Association. (The Association has standard contracts for hire and maintenance that are available for use by Members.)
– Accurately represent facts relating to a hire contract.
– Ensure that the hire contract embodies all the express terms and conditions of the agreement.
– Respect confidential business information supplied to them in the course of their business.
– Have Employers’ liability insurance of at least five million pounds.
– The Association recommends Public and Product liability insurance of at least five million pounds.
– Make available the insurance document for inspection.
– Behave with integrity and encourage such conduct by others in the business of hiring fork lift trucks.
– Transact business in such a manner as will reflect credit on that Member and the industry.
– Strive to improve their own competence.
– Exercise care in the day to day conduct of business relationships.
– Make available up-to-date records for inspection by a person authorised by the UK Material Handling Association.
– Deal promptly with all customer queries or complaints.

The marque
Since the formation of the UK Material Handling Association in 1972, the Association’s marque has become a symbol of quality.

For a Member of the UK Material Handling Association, the marque is a valuable asset offering clear evidence of a trader’s integrity and professionalism.

For a customer, the logo offers the reassurance of dealing with a reputable trader that meets high and clearly defined standards.

What type of membership do I need?

SAFE USER GROUP MEMBERSHIP

Q, Is your company an END USER of fork lift trucks or other material handling equipment?

A, If you answered YES to the above question then the UKMHA Safe User Group is the correct category of membership for your company.


The Safe User Group is an interactive resource, that provides a wealth of safety-related guidance, helplines and tools created to support businesses like yours, that are end users of fork lift trucks or other material handling equipment.  

Importantly the information is clear, concise and cuts through the jargon, giving you the reassurance that you are up-to-date with current legislation and best practice.  You will also benefit from being eligible for generous discounts on our range of merchandise, including a wide range of publications e.g. operator daily check books etc.

Safe User Group member benefits and services are listed here.

Businesses that SUG Membership would suit
The Safe User Group is specifically designed for businesses that are end users of fork lift trucks or other material handling equipment.

ASSOCIATE MEMBER APPLICATION

Q1, Does your business carry out Thorough Examination of lifting equipment and has been trading for LESS than 2 years?

Q2, Do you employ ONLY 1 engineer?

A, If you answered yes to ANY of the above questions, then Associate Membership is the correct category of membership for your company.

Associate Membership is intended as a means of access and is offered to businesses that currently do not fulfil the Full Membership criteria. We hope that in time your business will grow, enabling it to apply for Full Membership.

Associate Membership provides a wealth of safety-related guidance, helplines and tools created to support businesses like yours.  

Importantly the information is clear, concise and cuts through the jargon, giving you the reassurance that you are up-to-date with current legislation and best practice.  You will also benefit from being eligible for generous discounts on our range of merchandise and engineer training courses.

Associate Member benefits and services are listed above.

Businesses that Associate Membership would suit
Fork lift truck dealers or maintenance providers that carry out Thorough Examination, that have been trading for less than 2 years or do not employ a minimum of 2 engineers. Associate Membership is a limited option and can only be used for 2 years, unless a discretionary extension is granted, by the UKMHA board.

FULL (SUPPLIER/SERVICES) MEMBERSHIP

Q1, Does your company provide supplies or services to fork lift truck dealers or end users of material handling equipment?

Q2, Has your company been trading for a minimum of 2 years?

A, If you answered yes to ALL of the above questions, then Full (Supplier/Services) Membership is the correct category of membership for your company.

Full (Supplier/Services) Membership provides a wealth of safety-related guidance, helplines and tools created to support businesses like yours.  

Importantly the information is clear, concise and cuts through the jargon, giving you the reassurance that you are up-to-date with current legislation and best practice.  You will also benefit from being eligible to participate in our many networking opportunities.

Full (Supplier/Services) Member benefits and services are listed above.

Businesses that Full (Supplier/Services) Membership would suit
Business that have been trading for more than 2 years and who provide supplies or services to fork lift truck dealers or end users of material handling equipment.

FULL (DEALER) MEMBERSHIP

Q1, Is your company a fork lift truck dealer or maintenance provider that carries out Thorough Examination of lifting equipment?

Q2, Has your company been trading for a minimum of 2 years?

Q3, Do you employ a minimum of 2 fork lift truck engineers?

A, If you answered yes to ALL of the above questions, then Full Membership is the correct category for your company.

Full Membership provides a wealth of safety-related guidance, helplines and tools created to support businesses like yours.
 
Importantly the information is clear, concise and cuts through the jargon, giving you the reassurance that you are up-to-date with current legislation and best practice.  You will also benefit from generous discounts on our engineer training courses, UKMHA merchandise and be eligible to participate in our many networking opportunities.

Full (Dealer) Member benefits and services are listed above.

Businesses that Full (Dealer) Membership would suit
Fork lift truck dealers or maintenance providers who carry out Thorough Examination, that have been trading for more than 2 years and employ a minimum of 2 engineers.

ASSOCIATE (SUPPLIER/SERVICES) MEMBERSHIP

Q, Has your company been trading for a minimum of 2 years?

A, If your company provide supplies or services to fork lift truck dealers or end users of material handling equipment and you answered yes to the ABOVE question. Then Associate (Supplier/Services) Membership is the correct category of membership for your company.

Associate (Supplier/Services) Membership is intended as a means of access and is offered to businesses that currently do not fulfil the Full Membership criteria. We hope that in time your business will grow, enabling it to apply for Full Membership.

Associate (Supplier/Services) Membership provides a wealth of safety-related guidance, helplines and tools created to support businesses like yours.  You will also benefit and be eligible for generous discounts on our range of merchandise.

Importantly, the information is clear, concise and cuts through the jargon, giving you the reassurance that you are up-to-date with current legislation and best practice.  

Associate (Supplier/Services) Membership benefits and services are listed above.

Businesses that Associate (Supplier/Services) Membership would suit
Businesses that have been trading for less than 2 years and who provide supplies or services to fork lift truck dealers or material handling equipment end users. Associate (Supplier/Services) Membership is a limited option and can only be used for 2 years, unless a discretionary extension is granted, by the UKMHA board.

FULL (MANUFACTURER) MEMBERSHIP

Q1, Has your company been trading for a minimum of 2 years?

Q2, Do you employ a minimum of 2 fork lift truck engineers?

A, If your company is a manufacturer of fork lift trucks or other material handling equipment and you answered yes to ALL of the above questions, then Full (Manufacturer) Membership is the correct category for your company.

Full (Manufacturer) Membership provides a wealth of safety-related guidance, helplines and tools created to support businesses like yours.  

Importantly, the information is clear, concise and cuts through the jargon, giving you the reassurance that you are up-to-date with current legislation and best practice.  You will also benefit from generous discounts on our engineer training courses, range of UKMHA merchandise and be eligible to participate in our many networking opportunities.

Full (Manufacturer) Member benefits and services are listed above.

Businesses that Full (Manufacturer) Membership would suit
Manufacturers of fork lift trucks or other material handling equipment that have been trading for more than 2 years and employ a minimum of 2 engineers.

FULL (TRAINER) MEMBERSHIP

Q1, Has your company been trading for a minimum of 2 years?

Q2, Do you employ a minimum of 2 fork lift truck/material handling equipment operator instructors?
 
Q3, Is your company accredited to an ABA member i.e. AITT, ITSSAR, LANTRA NPORS or RTITB?


A, If your company trains fork lift truck/material handling equipment operators and you have answered yes to ALL of the above questions, then Full (Trainer) Membership is the correct category of membership for your company.


Full (Trainer) Membership provides a wealth of safety-related guidance, helplines and tools created to support businesses like yours. 

Importantly, the information is clear, concise and cuts through the jargon, giving you the reassurance that you are up-to-date with current legislation and best practice. You will also benefit from generous discounts on the UKMHA range of merchandise and be eligible to participate in our many networking opportunities.

Full (Trainer) Member benefits and services are listed above.

Businesses that Full (Trainer) Membership would suit
Fork lift truck/material handling equipment operator training businesses that have been trading for more than 2 years.

ASSOCIATE (TRAINER) MEMBERSHIP

Q1, Has your company been trading for less than 2 years?

Q2, Do you employ ONLY 1 fork lift truck/material handling equipment operator instructor?

A, If your company is accredited to an ABA member (i.e. AITT, ITSSAR, LANTRA NPORS or RTITB), it trains fork lift truck/material handling equipment operators and you have answered yes to ANY of the above questions, then Associate (Trainer) Membership is the correct category of membership for your company.

Associate (Trainer) Membership is intended as a means of access and is offered to businesses that currently do not fulfil the Full Membership criteria. We hope that in time your business will grow, enabling it to apply for Full Membership.

Associate (Trainer) Membership provides a wealth of safety-related guidance, helplines and tools created to support businesses like yours.  

Importantly, the information is clear, concise and cuts through the jargon, giving you the reassurance that you are up-to-date with current legislation and best practice. You will also benefit from being eligible for generous discounts on our range of merchandise.

Associate (Trainer) Membership benefits and services are listed above.

Businesses that Associate (Trainer) Membership would suit
Fork lift truck/material handling equipment operator training businesses that have been trading for less than 2 years. Associate Membership is a limited option and can only be used for 2 years, unless a discretionary extension is granted, by the UKMHA board.

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