The warehouse at PT Halmahera Persada Lygend (HPL) and PT Obi Nickel Cobalt (ONC) looked different from its usual layout. Shelves normally filled with operational equipment and materials were rearranged to create an open space in the centre of the warehouse, transforming the area into a competition arena for forklift and hand pallet operators. The event was organised by Harita Nickel as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen operator competency while reinforcing its occupational health and safety (OHS) culture.
Organised through PT HPL and PT ONC, the competition brought together warehouse operators from both companies. Participants competed in two categories—forklift and hand pallet—through a series of practical simulations designed to assess both their equipment handling skills and their discipline in following safe operating procedures.
Warehouse operations play a critical role in the company's operational value chain. Operators' precision in handling and moving materials not only supports efficient logistics, but also contributes to workplace safety, protects company assets, and helps ensure safe and reliable operations.
The competition was designed to evaluate participants' technical skills alongside their adherence to safety procedures. Before beginning each challenge, participants were required to complete a daily pre-operational inspection of their equipment. They then manoeuvred a forklift or hand pallet while carrying a basin filled with water through a zigzag course marked by traffic cones. The exercise tested operators' ability to control the equipment with precision, with less water spilled indicating greater control and proficiency.
Participants were assessed based on the completion of the pre-operational inspection, speed, precision, and compliance with safety procedures, including sounding the horn at designated points throughout the course.
Syarif Hadi Fatullah, Operational Health and Safety (OHS) Superintendent at PT HPL and one of the competition judges, said the event provided an effective way to directly observe operators' technical competency and discipline in applying safe work practices.
"Forklift and hand pallet operating skills are essential to maintaining workplace safety. There is always room for improvement, particularly in terms of precision and efficiency. We hope this competition encourages all operators to continue sharpening their skills while strengthening their safety awareness in their daily work," said Syarif.
The participants shared the same enthusiasm. Irwan, who won first place in the forklift category, said the competition was both a valuable experience and a timely refresher on the work procedures he applies every day.
"I'm proud to have won the competition. More importantly, it reminded us to consistently follow operating procedures, starting from completing equipment checks before use to maintaining safety throughout every stage of forklift operation," Irwan said.
Held in June 2026, the competition forms part of Harita Nickel's ongoing occupational health and safety programme. By engaging operators directly through practical, field-based activities, the company not only strengthens technical competency but also reinforces safety as an integral part of everyday work.
Through continuous competency development, Harita Nickel remains committed to embedding a strong safety culture across all operational functions, including logistics and warehouse operations, which play an essential role in supporting safe, reliable, and sustainable business operations.