National Forklift Safety Day once again proved to be a major success for 2025 with support from across the UK material handling and intralogistics sector – and if you missed out on the day itself, never fear as you can still participate by checking out the event’s new-look website where you will find a host of assets ready to access, including the pioneering new MHE Incident Reporting Portal.
For 2025, campaign organiser, the UK Material Handling Association (UKMHA) opted for a bold approach to reinforce the message that ‘A Painted Line Isn’t Enough’.
The principal focus of the 2025 campaign is an industry-first, a trailblazing new portal designed to assimilate and analyse MHE incident data with the aim of improving safety in the workplace.
Workplaces are being urged to use the portal to report any incidents involving MHE where personnel were or could have been injured. Questions relate to circumstances that led up to the incident, the nature and severity of injuries, the type of MHE involved, etc.
The data captured by the portal will be used to identify trends and to target areas where safety can be most effectively improved.
No other organisation is collecting this data and if the industry backs the portal then the information gathered will drive safety gains, both directly in the workplace, and through machine design evolution.
David Goss, Technical Director, UKMHA said: “If we are to improve safety around MHE then we must gather as much information as we can into the circumstances surrounding incidents, accidents and near misses. Only by doing this can we hope to understand why accidents occur and identify what we need to do to improve standards.”
He was quick to point out that the portal is not designed to apportion blame but merely to gather as much data as possible in order to derive effective solutions.
Works Managers, Safety Managers and Supervisors are the main targets for the portal but in essence, anyone with a knowledge of an incident can report it.
“I would urge everyone in the industry to visit the NFSD website for details on how to complete the form so we can start saving lives,” added Mr Goss.
The newly-designed website also contains details about other assets that have been released in support of the 2025 campaign:
Rob Fisher, Chief Executive Officer of the UKMHA, said: “We are grateful to everyone who supported NFSD on the day but safety never sleeps so our work goes on. We will continue to work with the industry throughout the year to create safer and more productive workplaces, and with industry support then we can go a long way towards achieving that.”
For more information visit the National Forklift Safety Day website
The array of talent and innovation characterising the UK’s material handling and intralogistics sector is set to be celebrated at the final of one of the industry’s most prestigious awards ceremonies, The Archies. Organiser, the UK Material Handling Association (UKMHA), has been flooded with nominations for this year’s event, which will be one of the highlights of the IMHX exhibition week in September.
Entrants compete to win a coveted Archie statuette, named after Archimedes – the father of engineering – a true badge of honour for recipients.
Winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony taking place at the Vox Conference Centre, within the NEC on the evening of Wednesday 10 September – and it promises to be a night to remember.
View our full list of finalists here
Rob Fisher, UKMHA CEO, said: “We’ve been staggered by the volume and quality of entries for this year’s awards and I must applaud everyone for the standard of their submissions. Frankly, I don’t envy the job of the judges having to find winners from such an outstanding set of nominations.”
Close on 100 entries have been shortlisted for this year’s competition – well above last year’s total, with nominations spread across all 15 categories.
The nominations recognise the contributions of everyone within the material handling and intralogistics sector, from new apprentices to those who have spent a lifetime in the industry.
The use of pioneering new technology from automation and AI to software and sustainability are all set to be recognised, as is the broad scope of training provision across the sector and the dedication to customer service, safety and efficiency.
“The breadth of the nominations illustrates what a strong sector we currently have and the innovative solutions dedicated professionals have developed to help transform the movement of goods and improve operational efficiency in one of the UK’s most important industrial sectors,” added Mr Fisher.
“The industry rightly deserves to celebrate the talent evident in today’s material handling and intralogistics operations. The UKMHA will be doing all it can to ensure The Archies does just that.”
Award Categories
The award categories reflect the entire material handling spectrum, with recognition set for individuals, projects and products, along with services and innovation. They reflect the need to attract the best new talent to the industry – a key aim of the UKMHA – as well as the changing nature of the industry with the advances in technology such as automation and AI.
For the full list of award categories and sponsors follow the link here
For full information on how to book your place at the gala ceremony, and our remaining sponsorship opportunities, visit: www.ukmha.org.uk/events/the-archies-awards/
BMZ, a leading European manufacturer of cross-industry lithium-ion battery systems, has revealed its entire battery product range for the material handling industry.
Set to significantly slash the costs for forklift batteries without compromising product quality, this long-established German battery maker is in a perfect position to support global forklift brands and their networks effectively.
For many years, BMZ has manufactured KION batteries in a joint venture with KION GROUP AG known as KION Battery Systems GmbH. Now, the business aims to extend its activities by supplying other leading materials handling equipment producers with top-quality battery solutions.
Lukas Gazda, the company director of BMZ Innovation Group Ltd (BMZ UK), expressed his enthusiasm for BMZ’s new direction, commenting: “We combine unique know-how and experience from battery development and production for many markets across e-mobility, energy storage, industrial, and other applications. System modularity and advanced mechanical, electrical, and software integration secure a variety of battery designs.”
He continued: “This approach brings many advantages to BMZ customers in reduced battery pack development time, stable supply chain and production, increased quality and safety, and finally decreased battery cost.”
BMZ battery packs can be used by new forklifts and as a retrofit solution for replacing lead acid batteries, ideally operating in two or three shifts. The batteries are supplied as a bundled package, including chargers, and are delivered with an additional display for retrofit installations. However, due to their plug-and-play compatibility, KION forklifts do not require the display.
If you would like to learn more about BMZ, please visit: https://www.bmz-group.com/index.php/en/
Seizing the initiative in the fight to improve safety in workplaces where material handling equipment operates forms the crux of this year’s National Forklift Safety Day (NFSD), which launches today (Tuesday).
Campaign organiser, the UK Material Handling Association (UKMHA) has opted for a bold approach to this year’s theme, highlighting that linemarking, signage and hi-viz PPE do not eliminate risk in the workplace, only reduce it.
It is why this year’s campaign is characterised by the message ‘A Painted Line Isn’t Enough’.
In an industry-first, the UKMHA is trailblazing a new portal designed to assimilate and analyse MHE incident data with the aim of improving safety in the workplace – and the trade association wants the help of the industry to achieve its goal.
David Goss, Technical Director, UKMHA said: “In order to effectively tackle workplace safety we need to firstly arm ourselves with as much information as possible. Only by doing this can we hope to understand why accidents occur and identify what we need to do to improve standards.
“No other organisation is collecting this data and is why we are today urging the material handling and intralogistics industry to support the initiative. We want people to tell us about MHE related incidents they have experienced in their own workplace so that we can spot common causes and act on them.
“This isn’t a whistleblowing exercise, it’s the compilation of vital data that will help us to reduce risk. I would urge everyone in the industry to visit the NFSD website for details on how to complete the form so we can start saving lives.”
The website also contains details about other assets being released today in support of the campaign:
Rob Fisher, Chief Executive Officer of the UKMHA, said: “NFSD gives the sector the perfect opportunity to join forces and create safer, more compliant workplaces. That’s why we have striven to make the 2025 campaign more engaging and interactive than ever before.”
For more information visit the National Forklift Safety Day website
Businesses now have an extra week to submit entries and compete for a chance to bask in the spotlight at the biggest celebration of excellence in the UK material handling and intralogistics sector.
Finalists and winners of this year’s awards scheme will be announced at a gala awards ceremony on the middle evening (10th September) of IMHX.
Taking place at The Vox Conference Centre, within the NEC complex, the awards will further the UKMHA’s goal of celebrating excellence across the sector.
Award Categories
For 2025, the award categories have been chosen to reflect the entire material handling and intralogistics spectrum, with recognition set for individuals, projects and products, along with services and innovation. They reflect the need to attract the best new talent to the industry – a key aim of the UKMHA – as well as the changing nature of the industry with the advances in technology such as automation and AI.
Categories are headed by the Lifetime Achievement Award. This is the highest individual honour bestowed by the UKMHA and is presented to the individual who has made a significant contribution to the material handling industry.
The Intralogistics Project of the Year recognises a project that has utilised innovation and improved operational efficiencies.
In keeping with the goal of recognising young talent within the industry, the Rising Star Award, sponsored by Close Brothers Asset Finance, honours the performance of an emerging young professional (below 30 years of age) who has demonstrated initiative and potential as a future leader.
In tandem with this, the Apprentice of the Year award, sponsored by TVH, is open to second and third year apprentice forklift engineers.
Sponsored by Oxford Economics, the Industry Leader Award is bestowed on an individual who has consistently shown outstanding leadership qualities.
The importance of sustainability and good safety standards are recognised by the Best Safety Initiative and Sustainability Excellence awards. The latter is sponsored by B&B Attachments.
The Training Provider of the Year honours the business that demonstrates outstanding service levels, while the Best New Product, sponsored by Compact Manufacturing, acknowledges a new-to-market product or solution that has had a significant and influential impact on the industry.
The Excellence in Automation categoryrecognises how technical innovation and the use of automation have played a vital part in improving efficiency and delivering growth for the user. In a similar vein, the Technology Innovator Award recognises the company developing or implementing cutting-edge technology in material handling.
The Logistics Innovation Award highlights a forward-thinking logistics solution or strategy, while the Operational Efficiency Award, sponsored by Service Geeni, recognises the measurable improvement in operations through the use of new equipment, reconfiguration of distribution centre or warehouse, or use of automation or AI.
The prestigious UKMHA Dealer Member of the Year, sponsored by Combilift, is one of the evening’s most eagerly-awaited awards. Open to all UKMHA dealer members, this award recognises the company which has consistently operated its business to the highest standards.
Finally, the Customer Service Excellence Award, sponsored by CFTS,honours the team delivering exceptional levels of customer service.
For information on how to enter the awards, and to your book place at the gala ceremony, visit: ukmha.org.uk/events/the-archies-awards/
Want to have your name added to the UK material handling sector’s roll of honour? You could, by entering yourself or your business for this year’s prestigious Archies Awards.
By entering the awards, organised by the UK Material Handling Association (UKMHA), you will be competing to win a coveted Archie statuette. Named after Archimedes, the father of engineering, the trophy is a true badge of honour for worthy recipients.
This year’s gala awards ceremony, on the middle evening (10 September) of IMHX, promises to be one of the highlights of the material handling sector’s calendar.
Taking place at The Vox Conference Centre, within the NEC complex, the awards are sponsored by IMHX – the UK’s leading event for showcasing the latest cutting-edge material handling and supply chain solutions.
Rob Fisher, CEO of the UKMHA, said: “The material handling and intralogistics sector is the backbone of the UK economy. The Archies, alongside IMHX, are here to spotlight the innovation, dedication, and success stories that drive our industry forward.”
Award Categories
The award categories reflect the entire material handling spectrum, with recognition set for individuals, projects and products, along with services and innovation. They reflect the need to attract the best new talent to the industry – a key aim of the UKMHA – as well as the changing nature of the industry with the advances in technology such as automation and AI.
Heading the list is the Lifetime Achievement Award. This is the highest individual honour bestowed by the UKMHA and is presented to the individual who has made a significant contribution to the material handling industry.
The Intralogistics Project of the Year recognises a project that has utilised innovation and improved operational efficiencies.
In keeping with the goal of recognising young talent within the industry, the Rising Star Award honours the performance of an emerging young professional (below 30 years of age) who has demonstrated initiative and potential as a future leader.
In tandem with this, the Apprentice of the Year award, sponsored by TVH, is open to second and third year apprentice forklift engineers.
Sponsored by Oxford Economics, the Industry Leader Award is bestowed on an individual who has consistently shown outstanding leadership qualities.
The importance of sustainability and good safety standards are recognised by the Best Safety Initiative and Sustainability Excellence awards, the latter sponsored by B&B Attachments.
Training Provider of the Year honours the business that has demonstrated outstanding service levels, while the Best New Product, sponsored by Compact Manufacturing, acknowledges a new-to-market product or solution that has had a significant and influential impact on the industry.
Excellence in Automation recognises how technical innovation and the use of automation have played a vital part in improving efficiency and delivering growth for the user. In a similar vein, the Technology Innovator Award recognises the company developing or implementing cutting-edge technology in material handling.
The Logistics Innovation Award highlights a forward-thinking logistics solution or strategy, while the Operational Efficiency Award, sponsored by Service Geeni, recognises the measurable improvement in operations through the use of new equipment, reconfiguration of distribution centre or warehouse, or use of automation or AI.
The prestigious UKMHA Dealer Member of the Year, sponsored by Combilift, is one of the evening’s most eagerly-awaited awards. Open to all UKMHA dealer members, this award recognises the company which has consistently operated its business to the highest standards.
Finally, the Customer Service Excellence Award, sponsored by CFTS,honours the team delivering exceptional levels of customer service.
The deadline for submissions for this year’s awards is 28th May.
For information on how to enter the awards, and to your book place at the gala ceremony, visit: ukmha.org.uk/events/the-archies-awards/
In line with its goal of improving safety standards across the material handling industry, the UK Material Handling Association (UKMHA) has extended its training provision with a new course focusing on the safe use of lifting accessories.
Delivered in person by qualified instructors at SMB College, the course, which takes place on Wednesday 2nd July, focuses primarily on the practical aspects governing the safe use of lifting accessories.
The course includes a guide to pre-use inspection of the accessories and the rules and techniques of safe lifting. Safe Working Load (SWL), mode factors, slinging angles and estimation of load and centre of gravity will all be explained.
The importance of lifting plans and the relevant legislation, including LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998) are also covered.
The course is targeted at forklift technicians and other personnel who use chains, slings and other accessories for lifting loads both for maintenance and assembly purposes. The course should also be of interest to supervisors and managers responsible for planning and overseeing these lifting operations.
By the end of the course, participants should be able to:
David Goss, UKMHA Technical Director, said: “The importance of safe lifting procedures cannot be overstated. Lifts are a fundamental aspect of material handling and it is critically important that personnel carrying out such operations fully understand what they are doing and what the implications are should anything go wrong.
“This course is being delivered by qualified instructors experienced in apprentice training for material handling equipment (MHE) and has been designed to improve safety in the workplace, a fundamental goal of the UKMHA.”
The one-day course will be split into four 90-minutes sessions and places are limited to 10 participants. The forthcoming Lithium-ion Batteries course sold out quickly so early booking for the Lifting Accessories course is advised.
Assessment will be based on written questions and practical assessment. Upon satisfactory completion of the course participants will be awarded a Certificate of Attendance.
The course will be delivered at SMB College, Stephenson Campus, Thornborough Road, Coalville, LE67 3TN.
Further details on the course are available on the UKMHA website
In line with its ongoing campaign to upskill engineers, the UK Material Handling Association (UKMHA) is launching a new course covering lithium-ion traction batteries.
Delivered in association with new UKMHA member, BMZ Innovation Group, the course addresses lithium-ion battery technology as applicable to material handling equipment (MHE). It is aimed at engineers and technicians who have day-to-day responsibility for the installation and maintenance of electrically-powered industrial trucks.
Launching on Tuesday 20 May and delivered at SMB College Group, the primary focus is on developing practical skills including inspection, fault diagnosis, health and safety, and safe working practices that can be immediately applied in the work environment. This technical training course also introduces the fundamental principles of lithium-ion technology and its applications.
Due to the variety of lithium-ion solutions available, the course does not attempt to cover every make and model of battery system. Instead it will look to provide a general overview with the addition of specific case studies.
Targeted at forklift truck technicians with prior experience of battery/electric industrial trucks, it should also interest supervisors and managers wishing to understand the practical application of lithium-ion technology.
David Goss, Technical Director, UKMHA said: “Lithium-ion technology is of critical importance to modern material handling equipment and it is vitally important that technicians have both the skills and the underpinning knowledge to maintain it safely and at maximum efficiency.
“Thanks to the specialised input from BMZ Innovation Group, UKMHA is confident this is the most detailed lithium-ion training course available for those working in the UK material handling sector.”
Led by qualified instructors experienced in MHE, participants will gain a better understanding of:
The one-day course is split into four 90-minute sessions. Graduates of the course will be awarded a Certificate of Attendance.
The course will be delivered at SMB College, Stephenson Campus, Thornborough Road, Coalville, LE67 3TN.
Further details on the course are available on the UKMHA website
The UK material handling sector’s leading safety initiative, National Forklift Safety Day (NFSD), returns with a hard-hitting campaign highlighting the human cost of accidents involving material handling equipment.
Organised by the UK Material Handling Association (UKMHA), the campaign launches on Tuesday 10 June although the message behind the event applies all year round – making every day National Forklift Safety Day.
In a departure to previous campaigns, this year the focus will be on the emotional impact a serious accident can have on all the people involved, including friends and family as well as colleagues.
Such events can be truly life-changing, and by recognising the human cost of these accidents, UKMHA is committed to raising awareness with employers and employees and tasking them to prioritise safety at work, at all times.
David Goss, Technical Director, UKMHA said: “Accidents have a tendency to become mere statistics, but for those involved, the consequences can last a lifetime.
“By highlighting the human cost of such accidents – not just on the victims but also on equipment operators, co-workers, family and friends, we aim to highlight the human story that is the reality behind every statistic.”
UKMHA believes that whilst previous campaigns have provided technical information and practical guidance, accidents rates will only fall when the lessons learned in safety seminars are at the forefront of the everyone’s minds even when under the daily pressures of the busy modern workplace.
The 2025 campaign draws on messages from previous years, for example revisiting the importance of segregating workers from MHE, when under the slogan “A painted line isn’t enough”, it will again highlight one of the most emotive aspects of the 2024 NFSD campaign; a harrowing video interview with Lisa Ramos, whose life was irrevocably changed in 2006 when she became an above-knee amputee after an accident where a forklift truck reversed into her while she was in a designated walkway area in the warehouse where she worked with her husband, David.
In the video she describes how the accident, which happened on her son’s 13th birthday, devastated her life and that of her family. She now campaigns for greater safety awareness in the workplace and urges businesses to take greater responsibility for the safety of their workforce.
Offering his own perspective on the impact of the accident, David will be appearing in a new video talking about the effect the accident had on him personally as well as the family as a whole.
UKMHA members will be urged to heed the messages and leverage the campaign to promote their own solutions to this important issue.
The theme of the campaign will also be revisited during IMHX 2025 on 10 September when UKMHA hosts a special Safety Morning, to which visitors will be encouraged to attend. More information on NFSD is available by visiting www.nationalforkliftsafetyday.co.uk
The countdown to the biggest night in the UK material handling calendar has officially begun with the launch of nominations for The Archies 2025.
Organised by the UK Material Handling Association (UKMHA), The Archies are among the most prestigious prizes in the sector, recognising excellence, innovation and achievement. With this year’s ceremony taking place on the middle night of IMHX, anticipation is already building for an unforgettable celebration of all things material handling related.
Now is the time to showcase your success – submit your nominations today.
This year’s event will be hosted on the evening of Wednesday 10th September at The Vox Conference Centre NEC Birmingham, and will celebrate excellence across the material handling and intralogistics sector.
In recognition of the importance of The Archies 2025, the headline sponsor for this year’s awards is IMHX. As the UK’s leading showcase for the latest cutting-edge supply chain and logistics solutions, IMHX provides exhibitors and visitors with an opportunity to discover the latest technologies and trends that are transforming the sector.
The Archies will draw an influential audience of material handling decision-makers and other stakeholders making it an ideal networking opportunity for the industry.
Rob Fisher, CEO of the UKMHA, said: “The critical importance of the material handling and intralogistics sector to the UK’s economic performance warrants an event capable of showcasing excellence across the industry.
“The Archies therefore go hand-in-glove with IMHX in focusing attention on the successes of our industry and the people working within it. This year we are delighted to welcome Logistics Matters as our media partner and we are hugely appreciative of their continued support.”
For 2025, the award categories have been chosen to reflect the entire material handling spectrum, with recognition set for individuals, products, services and innovative solutions. They reflect the need to attract the best new talent to the industry – a key aim of the UKMHA – as well as the changing nature of the industry with the advances in technology such as automation and AI.
The award categories are headed by the Lifetime Achievement Award. This is the highest individual honour bestowed by the UKMHA and is presented to the individual who has made a significant contribution to the material handling industry.
The importance of sustainability and good safety standards are recognised by the Best Safety Initiative and Sustainability Excellence awards. The latter is sponsored by B&B Attachments.
The Intralogistics Project of the Year recognises a project that has utilised innovation and improved operational efficiencies.
In keeping with the goal of recognising young talent within the industry, the Rising Star Award honours the performance of an emerging young professional (below 30 years of age) who has demonstrated initiative and potential as a future leader.
In tandem with this, the Apprentice of the Year awards, sponsored by TVH, are presented to one second-year, and one third-year apprentice who, in the opinion of the judges, has demonstrated outstanding dedication and passion for the material handling industry.
The Industry Leader Award is bestowed on an individual who has consistently shown outstanding leadership qualities.
The Training Provider of the Year honours the business that demonstrates outstanding service levels, while the Best New Product acknowledges a new-to-market product or solution that has had a significant and influential impact on the industry.
The Excellence in Automation categoryrecognises how technical innovation and the use of automation have played a vital part in improving efficiency and delivering growth for the user. In a similar vein, the Technology Innovator Award recognises the company developing or implementing cutting-edge technology in material handling.
The Logistics Innovation Award highlights a forward-thinking logistics solution or strategy, while the Operational Efficiency Award recognises the measurable improvement in operations through the use of new equipment, reconfiguration of distribution centre or warehouse, or use of automation or AI.
The prestigious UKMHA Dealer Member of the Year, sponsored by Combilift, is one of the evening’s most eagerly awaited awards. This award recognises the company which has consistently operated its business to the highest standards.
Finally, the Customer Service Excellence Award, sponsored by CFTS,honours the team delivering exceptional levels of customer service.
The deadline for submissions for this year’s awards is 28th May. For more details on The Archies 2025 visit: https://ukmha.org.uk/events/the-archies-awards/
