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ACCESS IN ACTION • APRIL/MAY 2015
Resources and mining obviously had an impact on the sales as
spending on new mines has fallen sharply as we are all aware.
However, other areas of industry and agriculture are continuing to
discover the benefits of the telescopic handler for onsite materials
handling and I believe the future is certainly still bright given the
significant benefits of using a Telescopic Handler.
In relation to the TSHA in 2014 we somewhat reflected the activity
in the overall market. Membership was relatively flat, inquiry
flat, but conversely we didn’t have as many negative impacts or
questions from our sometimes zealous community.
The positive impact was seen in the reduced number of questions
about TH licencing, use, etc of TSHs which we all see as a good
thing because the markets’ understanding of TSHs is now greatly
improved as acceptance of the product and concept has matured.
In relation to achievements for 2014 the following initiatives of the
TSHA were a highlight:
• Annual inspection checklist
• Licence matrix
• Gold Card training program penetration
We still see a strong need to promote the safe use of TSHs and to
ensure better education of the users of telescopic handlers. Moving
into the future we plan to work closer with other associations,
especially in the area of joint training initiatives.
Other initiatives included the industry’s response to Safework
Australia’s licencing classification. The Victorian election stopped
any momentum the industry had in the agricultural market but even
so, we still had plenty of positives to build on.
I strongly encourage members to push membership to a wider
audience. Membership expansion is a key focus for 2015 and a long
term question for the Association’s relevance and longevity. Long
term the TSHA has great value even if the current lull is allowing us
to ‘relax’. Just like the versatility of a telescopic handler I am sure
we’ll see plenty more uses and challenges for the TSHA in 2015 and
beyond.
Lastly thanks to the executive team of the TSHA for their efforts in
2014 and to the team who support us through the EWPA.
Stuart Walker
TSHA President
2014 has been an interesting
year for the TSHA in the
context of a declining market
for new sales (total sales for
Telescopic Handlers in 2014
being 30% less than 2013).
Declining market, but strong
message for TSHA
ACCESS IN ACTION
Telehandler Annual Inspector
Program
The TSHA is working on developing a telehandler annual
inspector program photo id card for members and employees
who apply to the EWPA. It will be issued as a 'Proof of
Competency' inspection card. The telehandler annual inspection
checklist is already on the EWPA and TSHA webpage.