Safety Quiz

Our fun Safety Quiz is designed to help you and your company find out at how safe your company is.

Simply make a note of each answer and see the results at the bottom of this page.

Please be sure to read the results correctly and see if you are putting yourself or other under needless risk

1. When your fork lift trucks are working…

a) Only specialist staff can work near the fork lifts. Pedestrians and drivers get regular reminders to look out for each other.
b) Pedestrians are not allowed where fork lift trucks are working. Separate routes are laid out, and any crossing points are clearly signposted.
c) Staff can walk wherever they need to, to get the job done.

2. Does your company set a speed limit for its fork lift trucks?

a) Yes, and it's well publicised and enforced.
b) No.
c) I don't know.

3. Think about the places where your fork lifts work. What is the floor like?

a) Packing materials waiting to be cleared up. The occasional pothole here and there.
b) Neat and tidy, with ramps between different levels.
c) Clean, level and well maintained, free from mess and debris.

4. Who is allowed to operate your fork lift trucks?

a) Only those who have been fully trained, and have written authorization from the company.
b) Any relevant staff who have been shown the ropes by a trained operator.
c) Formal training is required for the sit-on trucks; anyone can use the pallet stackers.

5. How easily could a member of the public get to where your fork lifts work?

a) Our fork lifts cross the car park or forecourt, so it’s inevitable. We just have to be careful.
b) There’s access from public areas to the warehouse, but plenty of warnings to keep out.
c) The fork lifts trucks are always fenced off from public areas.

6. What warning is given when your fork lift trucks reverse?

a) They have a quiet, directional alarm that you only hear when you’re nearby.
b) Loads. With all those flashing lights and loud beeps, our warehouse is like a rave party.
c) The driver tells you if you’re in the way.

7. How often are items like tyres, steering and safety guards checked?

a) Under annual servicing or insurance checks.
b) About once a week, or fortnightly.
c) Every day the truck is used

8. Do your fork lift operators use mobile phones while they’re working?

a) Only hands-free and for essential work conversations.
b) Yes, as long as it doesn’t reduce their productivity.
c) No. It’s completely prohibited.

Now calculate your score…

Q1: a=5, b=10, c=0. Q2: a=10, b=0, c=2. Q3: a=0, b=7, c=10. Q4: a=10, b=0, c=0.
Q5: a=0, b=5, c=10. Q6: a=10, b=5, c=1. Q7: a=0, b=0, c=10. Q4: a=5, b=0, c=10.

The Results

70+ POINTS: CONGRATULATIONS – LOW RISK!

You seem up-to-date with current best practice and take an active approach to spotting and minimising risks. Are you already a member of the FLTA Safe User Group? Of course, you mustn’t be complacent: there are always areas for improvement, and new guidance to adopt… but you probably knew that. In the meantime… have you thought about entering for the Safe Site Award?

50 – 70 POINTS: MEDIUM RISK – COULD DO BETTER

Your answers suggest a general awareness of fork lift truck safety, and a willingness to take your responsibilities seriously in this area. However, there are one or two areas where your current operations could put staff or visitors at risk. Contact the FLTA, and consider joining its Safe User Group, which offers exclusive advice and gives regular safety updates. There’s a discount throughout September.

30 – 50 POINTS: HIGH RISK – IMPROVEMENTS NEEDED

Although you are aware of some safety issues, it appears there are serious flaws with some of your practices which, at best, could land you in hot water with the HSE. You would be well advised to check the free fact sheets at www.fork-truck.org.uk, which answer some of the most common queries and misconceptions. A few simple changes could make all the difference.

LESS THAN 30 POINTS: DANGER! TAKE ACTION NOW!!

If you have so far avoided joining the fork lift truck accident list, it may be more by luck than judgment. Your answers reveal serious risks in more than one area of your operation, and you should seek urgent advice before someone is badly injured… or worse. The FLTA can point you in the right direction