Competitive forklift rodeos calling for sharp and safe operating skills are slated for the Canadian province of British Columbia (BC) and the US state of Washington. The entities share a common international boundary of 427 mi. (687 km).

Up first, the Canadian Material Handling & Distribution Society (CMHDS) of Richmond, BC holds the 15th annual BC championship forklift rally on 5 May at the Cloverdale Agriplex arena in Surrey, BC. The Agriplex commonly hosts BC-oriented horse shows, concerts, trade shows, fund-raising events and dances.

More than CAD3,500 in prize money will be awarded.

Independent web portal and e-newsletter publisher Forkliftaction.com is a partner with the society for the 2012 forklift rally. "It's great to have such a prestigious organisation on board," says John Gilder, generation manager of CMHDS and the forklift rally.

The four divisions in the BC rally cover separate categories for electric-powered and propane-powered counterbalance sitdown forklifts, narrow-aisle reach trucks and walkie-rider power pallet jacks.

The events include forklift variations of the sports of basketball, bowling and soccer. A trade show allows rally sponsors to exhibit their products, services and forklifts. Registration is available through the CMHDS website.

Meanwhile, in Washington state, organisers of the governor's industrial safety and health conference are inviting competitors for the 2012 state forklift rodeo events.

The main contacts for the 15th annual rodeo are Al Rainsberger with the Seattle-based Foss Maritime Co and Mark Ribich with the Boeing Co's SGG site services operation in Seattle.

Regional competitions are scheduled for 2 June in Richland, 14 July in Spokane and 11 August in Auburn, with corporate sponsors providing resources for music, prize drawings, give-aways and food.

The state championship rodeo will be held on 26 September at the convention centre in Spokane in conjunction with the governor's conference.

The competition is open to all companies and certified forklift operators in the state. The rodeo requires drivers to demonstrate their skill, knowledge, safe operating ability, speed control and accuracy in traversing an obstacle course.

The rodeo backers enumerate benefits for employers and employees including sense of accomplishment, learning safe habits, demonstrating professional skills and leadership, and possibly winning prizes and cash.