Hactl competition continues drive for aviation and workplace safety

Jan 19, 2016: 9 teams entered this year’s International Forklift and Pallet Building Competition, organised by Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals (Hactl). AirBridgeCargo Airlines, Air Canada, Air China Cargo, Air France-KLM-Martinair Cargo, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Cargo, IAG Cargo, Japan Airlines and Nippon Cargo Airlines each entered a team of four to take part in the contest, which was held at Hactl’s SuperTerminal 1 facility. It was the ninth year of the event.

IAG Cargo meanwhile won the Forklift Driving Safety Award, and scooped the award for Forklift Competition Champion. Introducing a light-hearted element to this year’s proceedings, there were also prizes for the loudest cheering team; the gold award went to IAG Cargo.

Sammy Mak, chief judge for pallet building of the Hongkong Association of Freight Forwarding and Logistics Limited (HAFFA), said, “Aviation safety begins on the ground. The building of cargo pallets demands extreme care, to avoid risk to aircraft and passengers. I’m delighted to be a part of this unique and praiseworthy initiative that promotes excellence in safe loading of cargo onto pallets.”

Mark Whitehead, chief executive, Hactl says, “We were very proud to host this event once again, helping to drive home the importance of high standards in ground handling, to aviation and workplace safety.

“Hactl has always been passionate about promoting best practice, and it was great to see the fun, and camaraderie of all the participants, at the “après-ski” party!” Steve Hu, chief judge for the forklift competition, Occupational Safety & Health Council, added, “Operating fork trucks in the fast-paced airfreight handling environment holds many potential dangers, and we welcome Hactl’s move to develop driver skills and improve safety awareness.”

The competition was judged by a panel of thirteen industry experts. Some 300 spectators attended this year’s event, including VIP guests secretary for Transport and Housing, professor Anthony Cheung Bing-leung; assistant commissioner for Labour (Occupational Safety), Wu Wai-hung; and Occupational Safety & Health Council executive director, Bonnie Yau. Overall winning team, with the highest total points, was Nippon Cargo Airlines; it also collected the Pallet Building Competition Champion award.