Hactl’s International Forklift and Pallet Building Competition has taken place for the 12th time at the company’s SuperTeminal 1 facility in Hong Kong with Air Canada Cargo and Air China Cargo among the winners of awards.
The competition is part of Hactl’s ongoing Safety at Work programme and nine teams took part: Air Canada Cargo, Air France Cargo, IAG Cargo, Air China Cargo, Cargolux, Japan Airlines, KLM, Nippon Cargo Airlines and Qatar Airways.
Competing teams were judged on their ability to manoeuvre a loaded forklift truck through a complicated, simulated warehouse course, delivering cargo to team members who then had to load as many items as possible, in compliance with ICAO and IATA international standards relating to dangerous goods, heavy cargo and overall build integrity. All tasks were performed against the clock.
The Forklift Competition was judged by Steve Hu (Occupational Safety and Health Council), and eight other expert judges. Winners were Air Canada Cargo, while second place went to Japan Airlines, third place to Nippon Cargo Airlines and fourth place to IAG Cargo.
The Pallet Building Competition was judged by Bob Rogers (ULD Care), and two industry experts. Winners were Air China Cargo, while second place went to Air France Cargo, third place to Qatar Airways and fourth place to KLM.
The four overall best performing teams – Japan Airlines (overall champion), Nippon Cargo Airlines (overall 1st runner-up), Air Canada Cargo (overall 2nd runner-up) and KLM (overall 3rd runner-up) – also received awards. The Forklift Driving Safety Award was won by Air Canada Cargo.
In keeping with the customary fun spirit of the competition, an award was also given to the loudest cheering supporter teams; winners were Japan Airlines with IAG Cargo and Nippon Cargo Airlines taking second and third places. The competition was followed by a stunning Chinese drumming performance, awards presentations and lunch for all participants.
Hactl chief executive, Wilson Kwong said: “We were delighted to host this unique competition once again, and to welcome so many customers and friends to Hong Kong. We congratulate all the winners, and thank all those whose participation and support made the event possible.
“Mixing machinery and people in a time-constrained environment like air cargo handling always introduces risk. Hactl’s annual competition puts a light-hearted, friendly and competitive face on a serious message: that safety in the air cargo workplace is paramount. Honing forklift driving skills is a key aspect of this, and was clearly evidenced by the excellent performance of the competitors this year.
“In line with Hactl’s long-standing policy of industry leadership and best practice, we are committed to protecting our own workers, and hope that our competition will once again help to focus industry attention on this vitally important topic.”
