Hauliers Beware

It has been revealed that reported lorry crime has doubled over the past year, with 4,171 incidents detailed by mid-December 2008. Less than 15% of lorries stolen are ever recovered.

Organised crime is now targeting the freight industry, according to Truckpol.( Truckpol is a national intelligence unit which forms part of the national ACPO Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service, collating and disseminating statistical data and intelligence on road freight crime within the UK)

The theft of large goods vehicles and their loads causes significant economic and logistical harm to manufacturers, operators and retailers alike and the estimated cost to the UK economy is up to £250 million.

"One of the problems that we have is that when we have anything of value, that could be stolen or sold on, we have to make it secure," Don Armour, of the Freight Transport Association, told the BBC.

Alan Boswell Risk Management advises that those responsible for ensuring the safety of drivers, vehicles and loads should plan ahead, consider secure and safe parking areas, fitting tracking devices, providing adequate security training & advice, risk assessment for all drivers, as well as displaying deterrent notices on vehicles. An effective risk managment programme makes good business sense and could reduce your motor fleet insurance costs.

For further information on types of criminal activity and the latest reported incidents visit http://www.truckpol.com/

Forklift truck inspections – How often?

The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment (Regulations) 1998 (LOLER) classify forklift trucks as lifting equipment and place a responsibility on the employer to maintain them in safe condition and ensure they are suitable for their intended use. Additionally they require a thorough examination.

Many people assume that thorough inspections are an annual requirement but that is not always the case. The frequency between inspections depends on the type of truck, how often it is used and what it is used for.

Below is a guide for inspection frequency:

• Trucks used up to 40 hours per week - Annually
• Trucks used from 41 to 80 hours per week – Every 6 months
• Trucks used over 80 hour per week – Every 4 months
• Trucks used to lift personnel such as in a basket on forks – Every 6 months
• Trucks fitted with an attachment other than a sideshift – Every 6 months
• Trucks working in arduous conditions – Every 4 months irrespective of use

Modern forklifts normally have onboard computers that record usage so anyone who inspects the truck will know how much it has been used.

So remember if your forklift truck inspector tells you that annual inspections are not adequate he may not be trying to just get more work!

For more information on risk management and business insurance, visit www.alanboswell.com