News from MLA Holding Australia's Largest Forklift Supplier

Forklift 'Safety Halo' proves to be a saviour for warehouses

Posted in News


 safety halomay 19

A medium sized forklift weighs about the same as an average dump truck — and can cause just as much damage or injury. In fact, forklifts are still one of the greatest health and safety hazards in our warehouses and manufacturing sites.

 

safety halo

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the USA, the equipment operator is the victim in 42 percent of fatal forklift incidents. This means that nearly 60 percent of incident casualties are suffered by innocent pedestrians or fellow workers.
These statistics are similar worldwide, and thousands more are injured every year from either falling loads or manoeuvring forklifts on site. But it’s not just the forklift operator who has a responsibility for safety.

Smart site design and safety features a good starting point for WAREHOUSE safety
As with any risk, preventing a serious injury starts with design. An intelligent warehouse floor design considers movement and activity flows throughout the warehouse and identifies high-risk, forklift-only areas to eliminate interactions between workers and forklifts.

Outside of forklift-only areas, the use of barriers and designated walkways will isolate workers from machinery. Forklift safety features should also be considered. Does the forklift have: an audible alarm, overhead guards, blue tracking lights, an operator presence system, automatic stability systems, or orange forks to increase visibility?

Forklift ‘Safety Halo’ an innovative method for working around machinery
No matter how much we improve our site designs for workplace safety, there will always be some interaction between forklifts operators and non-operators. So what can pedestrians, workers and operators do to minimize risk in the workplace?

At MLA Holdings Pty Ltd, we have implemented the forklift ‘Safety Halo’ to help our customers and staff safely navigate working around forklifts. The initiative is based around two safety halos, one set 1 meter from the machine and another 2 meters from the machine. The "Safety Halo" is a virtual two-ring safety zone around any forklift or mobile equipment and, as a worker or pedestrian approaches the forklift, a set of simple rules apply within each safety halo zone:

  1. The Danger Zone (1 m): the operator must immobilise the forklift to prevent any injury
  2. The Warning Zone (2m): requires equal focus by both the operator and pedestrian. Both must make eye contact; the pedestrian must indicate their intentions; and the operator is required to yield the right of way.

This new forklift policy also states that the forklift operator must always look in the direction of travel. If view is obstructed, the forklift must be operated in reverse. The ‘Safety Halo’ is a simple way to facilitate the need for increased awareness regarding safe factory-floor equipment transport practice. And it’s easy to implement

For further forklift safety halo information or quotations to include any information about Mitsubishi forklift safety features, contact MLA on 1300 000 652 or
www.mlaholdings.com.au. Information for this article was sourced from www.compacsort.com.

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Three add-on features to enhance your forklifts safety

Posted in News


 safety zoneapril 19   

Studies show that thousands of fatal or near-fatal accidents are still happening every year in warehouses.
Amongst the causes, visibility is a major issue. With more than half of forklift accidents seriously injuring workers on foot, it's clear that more should be done to give pedestrians better warning when a truck is getting too close

This article zooms in on what you can add to your forklift to enhance safety. For now, we will skip topics like proper driver training, creating a safer environment and workplace inbuilt safety systems. Working safely in a place where forklifts operate is part of a much wider safety topic which cannot possibly be covered in a short article.

1. Audible alarms
As obvious as it may ‘sound’, you should first make sure your forklifts have audible alarms – and that they are working properly. Good drivers will use the horn when approaching corners, but the truck must also have a reversing alarm with a distinctive sound, so pedestrians can recognise and anticipate this even greater hazard.

2. Blue spot lights / strobe lights
When a workplace is busy or noisy, however, you can't always rely on auditory cues to know where trucks are. If many forklifts are in action, or if there is a lot of background noise from machinery, it may be difficult for pedestrians to hear the truck that’s just about to come around a corner.

Your forklift is probably already fitted with standard safety lights, but a blue spot light is a good additional safety accessory; it certainly enhances the visibility of oncoming forklifts to pedestrians. This feature projects an intense spotlight or line over 6 metres in front and/or rear of an operating forklift, alerting nearby traffic and workers to its presence. This is particularly useful in giving an early warning that a forklift is approaching a blind corner, or is entering or exiting a trailer, a container or a warehouse door. Strobe lights can also serve as a good visual warning.

3.  Safety zone system
A further advance on the blue spot idea is the safety zone system. It uses high-powered LEDs to project bright, bold red lines on the floor behind and to the sides of a truck. This is the ‘safety zone’ (see picture). These lines clearly show all workers the minimum distance they must maintain to continue working safely. When a workplace is busy, this extra visual aid simply makes all the difference.

If people stray inside the danger area, the driver may be warned by a buzzer or some other alert system. The safety zone system is one of those quick solutions which can be fitted to both used and new trucks and is easily understood by employees.

Although add-ons enhance overall safety, the improvement they make is a functional one. As a Manger, it is important that you find the right balance between your forklift’s capabilities and your drivers’ safety skills. Achieving an acceptable safety level is always the result of a larger, ongoing program.

For further forklift safety information or quotations to include any of the three add-on safety features, contact MLA on 1300 000 652 or www.mlaholdings.com.au. Information for this article was sourced from
www.forkliftbriefing.co.uk

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New standards to boost forklift safety

Posted in News


 engin-manutention.jpgmarch safety   

Industry buy-in for effort to adopt new international standards
Forklift users across the country stand to benefit from intended safety improvements outlined in several international standards recently adopted in Australia, with more to come over the next 12 months, Standards Australia reports.




A number of international standards governing industrial trucks, or forklifts, have recently been adopted as Australian standards following "extensive stakeholder consultation".

The International Standards adopted have benefited from heavy influence of Australian experts ensuring their application in Australia, underpinned by international best practice.

"Industrial trucks (forklifts) are used right across Australia for many different applications, and these new publications will focus on those areas that prioritise driver safety," said CEO of Standards Australia Dr Bronwyn Evans says.  The effort has gained the backing of the relevant industry body.

"The industrial truck industry in Australia is one deeply committed to safety, and these standards which are supported by international best practice are excellent tools to help drivers, operators and those maintaining these vehicles to do so at the high standard expected by the Australian community," Sue Hart, executive officer of the Australian Forklift and Industrial Truck Association (AFITA), says. 

ME-026 Industrial Trucks, the relevant technical committee of Standards Australia, has been working tirelessly to publish a number of standards developed by the International Organization for Standardisation (ISO) on industrial trucks (forklifts), Standards Australia says.

Several have been delivered recently, with multiple standards still underway at various stages of development.
"Australia is leading the way in improving safety of industrial truck standards in part due to our robust WHS/OHS legislation," Stan Palmer, who chairs the Standards Australia technical committee responsible for the work in Australia, says.

"These improvements include the sequential seatbelt now required to be fitted to all sit-down counterbalance forklifts to ensure the operator is using the seatbelt, as well as the slow-down of electric forklifts when the mast is elevated reducing the risk of tip-over.

MLA has been an active committee member of AFITA from 2002 and has participated in the development of ISO standards for industrial trucks since 2002. Where possible, the committee will continue to adopt ISO standards rather than developing Australian Standards in relation to industrial trucks ensuring international guidance is brought into the Australian community."

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


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Forklift Safety

Posted in News


 feb 2019feb 2019 3   

The forklift truck is one of the most widely-used tools in today’s workplace, spanning multiple industries. From warehouses to construction and every industry in between, forklifts can conquer heavy-lifting with ease. This ease, however, also presents many dangers. Fortunately, the dangers can be balanced through proper use, training, and safety awareness. The following are some free or low-cost ways you can ensure forklift safety in your own industry.



Offer Forklift Safety Training
The first line of safety in forklift operation is to ensure your operators have proper training. The important thing to remember is that forklifts have the potential to be very dangerous to operators and surrounding employees if your operators are not trained properly, so ensuring the proper safety protocols are followed through extensive training will benefit your company’s safety numbers and your employee’s productivity.

Present General Forklift Safety to All Employees
Even if some of your employees will not be operating forklifts, all employees should be
aware of general forklift safety if they are to work around the machines. The following tips will encourage forklift operation safety:
  • Never jump on the forklift tines, and never ride on the tines or a load.
  • Never ride on any other part of the forklift unless the forklift is specifically equipped for a rider.
  • If the forklift is rider-equipped and you are riding, always wear your seatbelt. If the forklift happens to tip, never jump from the tipping forklift. Instead, lean away from the direction you are falling and stay in your seat.
  • Never stand under the tines or under a load. Hydraulics could give out at any time.
  • Stay away from the specified forklift path. If you must cross the path, use cross-paths if available, and always look both ways before crossing.
Supervise Operators for Safety
Ensuring your operators are following forklift safety is also important to maintaining high safety records. Supervisors should be aware of necessary safety protocols and should watch for any safety mistakes, such as the following:
  • Overloading the forklift/ Improper load placement and/or instability
  • Turning too quickly
  • Driving too fast overall and/or driving too fast on slippery surfaces
  • Travelling blindly/allowing the load to block the driver’s view
  • Tailgating another forklift or passing another forklift in a no-passing zone
  • Participating in horseplay or other unsafe activities
Overall, forklift safety is possible with the correct training and supervision. Because your workplace and employee safety are the most important part of your business, informing yourself, your supervisors, your forklift operators and your general employees about forklift safety will improve your safety and your employee productivity numbers.

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


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MLA Holdings Expands to Hunter, Newcastle, Central Coast, Gold Coast

Posted in News


 classic and hunter  

MLA Holdings Expands to Hunter, Newcastle, Central Coast, Gold Coast!
(Source: https://www.machines4u.com.au/mag/mla-holdings-expands-hunter-newcastle-central-coast-gold-coast/)


2018 proved to be a big year for MLA Holdings Pty Ltd (MLA). Already one of Australia’s most established and renowned
forklift suppliers, last year the company expanded not just to one market, but four: Gold Coast, Newcastle, Central Coast and the Hunter Region.

The first of these markets was the Gold Coast, where MLA purchased local business Classic Forklifts, which began trading as Classic MLA from July 2018.

Pictured: Classic MLA team at their new Molendinar facility on the Gold Coast. Source: Supplied.

“Classic Forklifts and MLA are a perfect fit for the Gold Coast,” said Richard Smith, Business Development Manager at Classic MLA. “Classic brings a strong local presence and a good understanding of Gold Coast business needs, and MLA has the experience and strength as the national distributor of Mitsubishi Forklifts.”
MLA Continues To Expand

Just a few short months later, in November 2018, MLA announced their expansion into the Newcastle, Hunter and Central Coast region with the purchase of two long-established forklift businesses.

The acquisition of Hunter Liftrucks and Inglis Equipment from owner Ray Inglis took effect November 1st, and the combined entities began trading in the region as Hunter MLA.

Pictured: The Hunter MLA team. Source: Supplied.

“Hunter Liftrucks, Inglis Equipment and MLA are a perfect combination for the Newcastle, Hunter and Central Coast Region,” said Geoff Marshall, Sales Manager at Hunter MLA.

“Both Hunter Liftrucks and Inglis Equipment bring a strong local presence and a good understanding of the area’s business needs, and MLA has the experience and strength as the national distributor and rental provider of Mitsubishi Forklifts.”

Overall, local customers will deal with the same friendly and professional teams they have always known, while gaining access to a wider range of products and services.

Source: https://www.machines4u.com.au/mag/mla-holdings-expands-hunter-newcastle-central-coast-gold-coast/

 

How to operate pedestrian forklifts safely

Posted in News


 jan 2019jan 2019 sb   

Pedestrian Operated Forklifts (POFs) differ from forklift trucks because they are not intended to be controlled by an operator riding on the vehicle. While similar safe operating and maintenance procedures apply to all types of forklifts, the following control measures relate specifically to POFs. A licence/certificate is not required to operate POFs.


How to operate POFs safely:
  • Only trained operators may operate a POF.
  • Make pre-operational and post-operational safety checks.
  • Ensure the POF is suitable for the grades intended to be travelled.
  • Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as high visibility vest and steel capped footwear.
  • Do not operate a POF if hands or footwear are greasy.
  • Check the work area for damaged flooring, overhead obstructions, ramps and docks. Do not work too close to the edges of ramps or docks.
  • When travelling in reverse take care not to bump into objects, run over loose objects or trip over objects. Do not use a POF in an unauthorised area or explosive atmospheres.
  • Keep arms, hands, legs and feet away from the lifting mechanism and wheels.
  • Sound the horn when approaching intersecting aisles or blind corners.
  • When operating a POF on grades, ramps or inclines, face the load uphill, do not make turns. If it is necessary to park the POF on an incline, make sure the wheels are securely chocked.
  • Do not ride on the POF or allow another person to ride on it.
  • Do not exceed the safe lift limit of the POF when handling a load. These limits are specified on the data plate.
  • The forklift arm blades (tynes) should be a sufficient length to support at least 75% of the load.
  • The load should be stable and evenly distributed on both fork arms prior to lifting and when travelling. Fork arms should be sufficient distance apart to ensure the stability of the load.
  • Tilt the POF forward only when it is over a stack, rack or vehicle. Tilt the POF backwards only enough to stabilise the load.
  • Secure attachments as per the manufacturer's instructions and remember that attachments may affect the load centre of gravity.
  • When parking:
    • use the brake
    • lower forks to the ground
    • tilt forward if possible
    • do not leave key in the ignition if unattended
MLA Holdings Pty Ltd provide a wide range of Pedestrian forklifts, from 1.2t to 2.5t Power Pallet movers up to Pedestrian Straddle and Reach Stackers. The option for maintenance free Lithium-ion Batteries is also available.

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


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