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What forklift training does my team need and what is recommended?

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There are a lot of industries in which forklifts can help to increase the productivity and efficiency of workers. They can also be a great way to avoid injuries and strain on staff as relying on machinery means they are less likely to risk their own health. However, in order for forklifts to reduce safety risks, it is essential that staff undergo forklift training before operating the machines. Read on to find out more about what training is needed and what you can gain from putting your workers through this training.

What training is needed to drive a forklift?

There’s no need to panic if some members of your team don’t have a driver’s licence since this isn’t essential to learning to drive a forklift. The only time they will need a full driver’s licence is if they have to drive the forklift on a public road.

While the lack of a driving licence isn’t likely to be a problem if the work is within a warehouse or store, it is still pivotal that your team members have the correct training and certification to be able to drive your forklifts. These can be accredited to either the RTITB (Road Transport Industry Training Board), ITSAAR (Independent Training Standards Scheme & Register), ALLMI (Association of Lorry Loader Manufacturers and Importers), NPORS (National Plant Operators Registration Scheme) or AITT (Association Of Industrial Truck Trainers).

Any of the previously mentioned training institutes will provide a well-recognised certification that staff can present to employers in order to prove their competence and ability to handle a forklift safely. For this reason, you will benefit from either employing those who have completed one of these courses already or putting your team through one in order to make sure they can operate the machinery without causing any potential harm or damage.

What are the benefits of full training?

While forklift training is mandatory, if the machines are to be used by your company, it also brings many benefits for your business. Training your staff with a reputable provider can make staff feel more involved and cared for within the business which will, in turn, provide greater motivation for them. Being able to demonstrate the skill and prove the high standards your team is held to will also help to create a good reputation for your business, amongst employees, potential future staff and even customers.

Ongoing training, on the other hand, is not enforceable even though it is recommended. There are still lots of benefits to providing ongoing training for forklift drivers, however. Firstly, as a potentially dangerous job, it is important to keep your staff up to date on their driving skills. It can help them to avoid forming bad habits or even can break the ones that have already formed. This is vital in a role where a single mistake could cause serious injury to the driver as well as to others around them.

In some circumstances, having ongoing training for your forklift drivers can also mean that you benefit from lower insurance premiums. This can work out well for you since the premiums are often decided based on how much potential there is for accidents or things to go wrong, which is significantly decreased if your drivers are continually keeping up to date with training. Furthermore, frequent training is also sure to decrease the likelihood of accidents meaning you shouldn’t have to claim at all, also lowering your premiums.

All in all, there aren’t really any negatives to ongoing training, so make sure to get your staff trained!

For more information about the training that we can offer, contact our team today.

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What do you need for a thorough forklift LOLER and PUWER 98 compliant examination?

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You rely on your forklift to be a reliable and dependable working machine. To that end, regular and thorough inspections are essential in order to keep your forklift working at its best. Here’s what you need to know about regular forklift maintenance, including how often you should have it done, what should be included and LOLER/PUWER 98 compliance.

What is a forklift Thorough Examination?

The first thing you should be aware of if you’re not already is that a Report of Thorough Examination works the same way as a vehicle’s MOT does. That’s to say that it’s not “up to you” whether you get one or not. A Report of Thorough Examination is an indication that the machine has been comprehensively examined and is deemed safe for use. This has to be done annually at a minimum, there is a possibility of the intervals being less depending on the harshness of the work your forklift does and the specific attachments used.

A Thorough Examination must be done by someone deemed a “Competent Person”. A competent person, in this case, is anyone who is properly certified in the repair, maintenance, and examination of forklifts. If you’re in doubt be sure to ask your chosen specialist if they are suitable to act as a competent person for the purposes of the inspection. If they’re not, the inspection will be void.

What is covered in a Thorough Examination?

A Thorough Examination will, as the name implies, encompass all aspects of your forklift’s operation. Every element of the drive train, steering, brakes, and attachments will be thoroughly examined. Much as with an MOT, these elements will be inspected for their safety and suitability for use. If anything is deemed to not be operating within proper safety standards, you will have to have it repaired or replaced before a Report of Thorough Examination can be issued.

You will often see mention of LOLER and PUWER elements of the tests. LOLER is the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998, and PUWER is the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. Broadly speaking LOLER refers to the lifting elements of the forklift, namely the forks themselves or the other attachments you’re using. PUWER will refer to the vehicular elements, such as the drivetrain and brakes. These guidelines are laid out in the LOLER 98 and PUWER 98 sections of the HSE website. If you’re not familiar with these regulations, it’s important to read up on them and what they stipulate.

Whose responsibility is the Thorough Examination?

The Thorough Examination is the responsibility of the forklift truck’s owner. If you’re the owner and operator of the vehicle you’re responsible for arranging it. If however, you hire your forklift, the hire company is responsible – but it’s still up to you to ensure that it has been carried out before using the forklift.

How can you ensure that your forklift passes?

Regular maintenance is the key to a reliable forklift, and the Report of Thorough Examination isn’t the be-all-end-all of your forklift maintenance program.

Regular inspections and repairs of your forklift will help ensure there are never any untoward surprises when it goes in for its Thorough Examination. Make sure employees report defects or concerns with the vehicle and that they are immediately attended to. This will ensure your forklift should be in good working order on a consistent basis.

It’s also worth ensuring all operators of your forklift(s) are up do date with best practices when it comes to operating the vehicle smoothly. This can help minimise wear and tear on key components, minimising necessary repair costs.

Want to find out how we can help you get through Thorough Examination? Get in touch with our friendly team today.

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What are the benefits of ongoing forklift training for you and your business?

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Forklifts are among the most vital types of equipment used in factories, warehouses, and other distribution centres. A dependable solution that improves productivity and makes heavy-duty tasks far easier to perform, it’s not tricky to see why fork trucks are essential however, it is equally important that those who operate them are competent to use them. Making sure your workforce has proper forklift training is key.

While there is no official forklift driving license here in the UK, training courses are available that ensure operators have the necessary skills and experience to handle this equipment. While you might think that completing one training course in a lifetime is all an operator requires, this is far from the truth.

As a result, there are forklift training courses available for both absolute beginners and those with previous experience in operating these warehouse workhorses. Enterprises that regularly use forklifts on-site as part of their operations are advised to consider ongoing rather than one-off forklift training for their operators, as this approach can bring many benefits.

According to the UK’s Health and Safety Executive’s <a href=”https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg457.htm”>(HSE)</a> guidelines certification is a legal requirement for operating a forklift. As a result, if a firm employs an unqualified operator, it is their responsibility to train them. While there is no law insisting on ongoing training, it is recommended for many reasons.

Read on as we explore forklift training in greater depth and the advantages enterprises can gain from the ongoing education of employees.

Forklift training – giving you business continuity

Knowing the best practices for safe forklift operation in a work environment is not information that you can learn once and forget about. Instead, it is an ongoing process that is constantly developing. To ensure the safest working conditions on-site and the optimum methods of operation are always used, regular forklift training is an effective choice.

By keeping training, a regular occurrence, the process is less disruptive for firms. Instead of significant driver downtime from lengthy courses, training can be broken down into smaller sessions. Operators may also retain their knowledge easier when training is provided in a manageable format.

Keeping information current

Over time, new techniques and technology are developed for forklift use. From onboard sensors and electric battery packs to more efficient ways of unloading, loading, and driving in low visibility, the best practices for using fork trucks are constantly evolving. By using an ongoing forklift training programme enterprises can ensure their operators are making the most of the latest developments in technology and new ways of thinking. Ultimately, keeping knowledge up to date will ensure employees are using forklifts using the safest and most efficient means possible.

Eradicating bad habits

It is understood that over extended periods, bad working habits can develop. Whether it’s to save time or energy, corners can get cut, and result in risk. From stock that is loaded poorly becoming damaged to worker injuries, the consequences of lazy practices can be severe.

Fortunately, ongoing training can keep your drivers constantly refreshed in the best practices for forklift operation. As a result, bad habits are less likely to take root.

Lowering insurance premiums

While it will depend on the insurance provider used, many companies find that the better trained their drivers are the lower their policy premiums are. It is understood that insurance costs are based on the level of risk involved, so improving the abilities of operators with continuous training can have a significant impact, reducing health and safety issues on site.

Enjoying the benefits of ongoing forklift training

To sum up, from a safer and more efficiently run workplace to avoiding disruption and damage, the benefits of an ongoing training programme are manifold for businesses. Business owners who fund continuing driver training are ultimately investing in their enterprise and its continuing success.

To find out more, get in touch with our team today.

RTITB Releases New Free eLearning Course in the Combat of COVID

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Health and safety is a crucial part of our industry, particularly when it comes to forklift safety, as heavy machinery is not something to be taken lightly. And so, needless to say, when the COVID pandemic came around, it brought with it many challenges. Forklift truck training has always required a large element of personal interaction, with a proportion of training courses occurring inside a classroom so an RTITB certified instructor could teach the essentials.

With the classroom environment deemed too risky by the government, and with the model of external instructors travelling to provide the training presenting its own risks, it looked as though either a potential halt in training and therefore work or a further spread of the virus were inevitable. However, in a positive turn of events, the RTITB has released a brand new and free eLearning course to help reduce the risk during lift truck training. Though, in such uncertain times as these, this may leave you with some questions. Let’s take a closer look at these below.

Who are the RTITB?

The Road Industry Transport Board (RTITB) are the leading standards-setting body in workplace transport training, having provided training to well over one million people in the country, while over 100,000 delegates are trained to their standards every year. The  RTITB provides a plethora of instructor training courses in addition to its health-checking services, and the board’s rigorous standards ensure that all training provided by themselves and those they have accredited is the safest and most effective training possible. More information can be found on their website at https://www.rtitb.com/.

What is the new eLearning course?

The new eLearning course is designed for use by those who will be providing forklift truck training and covers all of the necessary bases that training providers will need to keep in mind, such as how to effectively communicate safety to their trainees and how best to deliver the theoretical and practical training. Most importantly, it looks at how to establish whether training is essential, and takes a look at the HSE hierarchy of controls. These are a set of measures which organisations should apply to promote the highest level of safety, meaning that, in the current climate, face to face contact should be limited.

What does this mean for us?

Thanks to this eLearning course, forklift truck training can still go ahead in warehouses across the country, without the need for incurring an unnecessary risk of infection by having external instructors travel to different worksites. Furthermore, it provides free, relevant and faceless training that will allow trainers to provide updated and effective instruction that is relevant to the times. It will also decentralise the training by allowing independent instructors to provide support without compromising the quality of the course, and by being only 30-minutes long, it will ensure training can be provided quickly as well as safely.

Why was this needed?

Forklift truck driving provides an essential service to warehouse operations, ensuring that operations run smoothly and efficiently, which in the current climate is absolutely vital. Due to the pandemic, work has been at times completely delayed, and at others, it has been made more difficult by thinned workforces due to self-isolation. Now, more than ever, it is vital that we ensure rigorous safety standards are upheld, not only to prevent any risks of infection but also to prevent any hazards or workplace accidents that may put further strain on our workforces. Thanks to this course’s impact on forklift truck training, this essential part of warehouse operations can continue without posing an unnecessary risk to any workers involved in the process.

What does this mean for Radnes?

This course will prove useful not only for in-house training but also for training providers. Through employing the use of the RTITB’s new eLearning course, our certified staff can continue to provide the highest quality of training during novice, instructor, and refresher courses, ensuring that all training falls within these rigorous guidelines while also remaining safe during the pandemic period. Thanks to the digitisation of training outlines, we are able to provide high-quality training that is strictly in keeping with the latest in forklift safety policies.

So if your business requires forklift truck training in line with the RTITIB’s strict standards, while also adhering to strict COVID safety guidelines, get in touch with Radnes to find out more about our services.

Ongoing forklift Training - Radnes Services

A Focus on Ongoing Forklift Training

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Although forklift training may seem like a considerable investment, it’s more than worthwhile when it comes to the benefits that your business will get, especially investing in ongoing forklift training. Having your staff go through forklift truck training ensures that you meet the set safety and health regulations, and you also get a more competent and skilled workforce. That means a reduced risk of accidental damage to equipment, stock, and your workplace and a safer and less costly future for your company.

What is forklift training?

Forklift training is a course that familiarises an operator about the way a forklift truck works. A new driver may have to go through general basics as forklifts operate differently compared to other machines.

The training also involves showing the novice how to operate the machine, which includes using the different functions like the horn, beacons, throttle, and the forks. Learning how to work a forklift is easy; the challenging part is knowing how to drive the truck safely.

An operator must know how heavy or light a load is when placed on the front forks. He/she should learn how to drive the forklift to avoid dropping the load. Failure to drive safely could lead to damaged goods and onsite injuries.

A forklift training course also covers retaining balance. Dangerous and fatal operator accidents occur when forklifts tip over. The operator needs to learn how to keep the load low to the ground and manage elevated loads to avoid tipping over. The course also covers the importance of not jumping off a forklift that has tipped. Staying buckled reduces the rate of injury.

Forklift training also entails knowing how to secure the load on the forks and understanding how loading and unloading work. Operators learn how to check the forklift to make sure it’s safe for use and the different driving principles like adjusting the driving style in adverse weather conditions. The type of training offered is more involved.

Why is ongoing forklift training essential?

Ongoing forklift training is vital as it helps:

Keep the driver happy at the job

One of the best things about regular forklift training is that it keeps the drivers happy in their jobs, which results in better performance. It shows the operators that you’re willing to invest in them a,s a business owner, and that makes them work harder as they see the effort you put in to keep them as part of your team.

Reduce accidents and damage

While working with skilled operators may help you cut down on training costs, you also need to invest in ongoing forklift training. That’s because qualified and accredited operators reduce the risk of damage to goods, equipment, and workplace accidents.

Having to deal with such incidents can cost your business huge sums of money, but this can be prevented with the right training. You can confidently raise profitability and productivity for your business by preventing these accidents and enhancing the efficiency of your operators.

Forklift truck training is essential when you need to have a professional and safe working environment. Ongoing training gives the operator the knowhow on proper risk awareness and assessment. It also equips him with safe driving tips.

Efficiency of operation

What’s more, the courses provided are designed for the equipment you use. The training also takes into consideration the environment you use the equipment in, something that ensures the operators’ train and qualify in the machines they will be using.

Ongoing training also guarantees the efficiency of the operation. The training allows operators to be competent in how they use the forklift and in the way they load and unload. Going through this training enables your business to grow.

Keeping up to date with the latest operating techniques

Another advantage of ongoing training is that it keeps your operators up to date with new techniques to operate forklifts and equips them with vital tips to benefit your business in the long run.

That can include knowing more effective ways of performing routine checks, learning improved methods of handling driving in unexpected weather conditions, and getting more methods of loading and unloading.

Over time, operators may find ways to cut corners to save time. However, this could be dangerous and can lead to loads being damages, accidents happening, and your business suffering ultimately. Ongoing forklift operator training continually refreshes the drivers on the right ways of operation, which they can stick to in the future.

Low insurance premiums

Your business can enjoy lower insurance premiums if you regularly train your drivers. Although this is dependent on your insurance carrier, the companies determine your premiums based on the level of perceived risk. Well-trained operators are considered as less of a threat, which lowers your premiums.

The benefits of onsite forklift truck training

Training your staff onsite gives you an advantage as the operates get to use the equipment and understand how the loads work daily without going to a different training centre. Moreover, you don’t have to spend extra money and waste time by sending your employees to training centres.

The best part is that the training company can work around your working hours to make training more convenient or to minimise staff downtime.

Forklift training courses

Some of the forklift training courses include:

Certification on the different types of forklift trucks

Operators need to undergo training and get certification for each type of forklift truck to run a forklift safely. Forklifts can be electric, diesel, or LPG based. Some common types of forklift trucks include:

-Counterbalance forklift
-Reach Forklift
-Telehandler Forklift

Counterbalance forklift

Counterbalance forklifts are standard in most environments, including storage depots and warehouses that have a reach of 20ft. The fork arms help to balance the forklifts, thanks to the counterweight.

The fork arms and load project from the machine’s front side. Loads can be lowered or raised vertically. Also, the mast can be tilted backwards or forwards up to 15 degrees. These forklifts have a variety of attachments.

Industrial counterbalance forklifts are of different types, but you’ll find the three-wheel models to provide excellent manoeuvrability, especially in narrow aisles.

Reach forklift

Reach forklifts have a mast that stabilises the whole machine. The mast looks like a vertical piece that holds the driver and cab on one side, with the lift and fork on the other side to balance out the loads and equipment.

The fork is perpendicular to the mast and goes through the front of the machine using a scissor mechanism. These forklifts are designed in a way that the operator stands while driving. You can drive the reach forklifts through aisles that are seven feet.

You’ll find these trucks in warehouses where space is limited. When travelling, the load is reached back and carried within the wheelbase to allow manoeuvrability. These forklifts can reach a height of forty feet.

Telescopic handler forklifts

Telescopic handler forklifts are popular in industries that require heavy lifting. You can also find them in agriculture. These forklifts have various features that make them convenient for use in different situations. Some people confuse the forklifts with small cranes.

Moreover, they have the advantage of a single telescopic boom, which allows the truck to be flexible and powerful. Find attachments like.a muck grabber, pallet fork, bucket, and a lift table on the telescopic handlers.

The attachments give the forklift fantastic lifting capabilities, something that allows the operator to complete work at higher heights that regular forklifts can’t reach. These forklifts are popular on construction and in agriculture.

Telescopic forklifts are fitted with a boom that is pivoted at the rear and raised/lowered by hydraulic rams. The boom extends or retracts to provide extra height or reach. The forklifts can be two or four-wheel drive.

Manual handling and kinetics course

Do your operators spend a lot of their time lifting heavy items and manually moving them? You need to ensure they get the right training to do their job efficiently and safely.

Manual handling involves movement or support of any load by carrying, lifting, pulling, pushing, and putting down. That can be done using trolleys or trucks.

The Manual Handling and Kinetics Course is designed for operators involved ib manual handling of any kind in the workplace. This course address the importance of good manual handling, looks at what manual handling is, explores the common injuries operators may suffer from in the workplace, explains the manual handling operation regulations, and teaches on excellent handling techniques.

The course intends to reduce the risks associated with manual handling operations and let the operators know the risks they can encounter in manual handling operations.

Novice instructor and refresher courses

Novice instructor is for operators who don’t have previous knowledge operating forklift tricks. The course goes over all the basics, which makes it lengthier than other levels of training. A typical novice training course takes four to five days, but this varies depending on the class.

Refresher courses target those who have already completed their training but are looking to update their skills or learn more about the changing industry regulations.

It’s recommended to undergo refresher training after every three years to be up to date with the new regulations in the industry.

Conclusion

A forklift training course is not only beneficial to the operators, but it also has numerous benefits for businesses. Companies can cut costs, save time, and enhance productivity in the workplace. Although ongoing forklift driver training isn’t mandatory, its benefits outweigh the initial cost of the investment your business will make. The best part is there are different courses in forklift training. You can opt to choose one that your operators need to ensure the efficiency of operation and maintain safety standards.

Get in touch today to discuss your ongoing forklift training and how we can help.

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Forklift training – What does it involve, and how can it benefit your workplace?

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Companies that operate forklift trucks have a legal responsibility to ensure that all operators are properly trained and certified. For some, this red tape can put them off implementing forklift trucks altogether or risk employing operators without the necessary certification. But achieving certification really isn’t as difficult or as expensive as it sounds.

In this blog, we’ll look at what is involved in the training and certification process and what benefits having properly certified forklift truck operators will bring.

Why forklift truck training is important

According to data from the British Safety Council, forklift trucks represent the most dangerous form of workplace transport in the UK. Each year 1,300 people are seriously injured following forklift accidents. That amounts to more than 5 people each day suffering debilitating life-changing injuries.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which investigates all serious accidents in the workplace, has found that the majority of these accidents are avoidable. While some accidents are attributed to poor maintenance, the vast majority are due to a lack of training.

Helps improve safety in the workplace

With forklifts posing numerous dangers to both drivers and pedestrians, it is important that all operators are trained and certified to use the equipment properly.

A certified forklift operator is trained to assess the risks before each type of manoeuvre, which can help to prevent accidents and injury to both operators and pedestrians.

This not only helps to improve safety in the workplace: it also reduces the risk of damage to delivery vehicles and buildings and protects you from litigation in the unlikely event that an accident does occur. It will also allow you to obtain public and employer liability insurance for your operations. Operating a forklift without having certified staff will most likely void your policy.

Forklift training requirements

Forklift truck training courses are designed for people with little or no experience operating a forklift. The course covers both theory and practical lessons to ensure operators have enough knowledge and experience to pass both the theory and practical test.

Before training begins, operators will need to ensure the following basic requirements are met:

– Must be at least 20 years old
– Had an eye test within the previous two years (proof is required).

What does forklift training involve?

To obtain forklift truck certification, operators will have to pass a written theory exam followed by a practical test for the specific type of truck they wish to operate. This ensures they can properly assess the risks of operating such machinery and can manoeuvre the vehicle safely in all environments.

Both of these tests can be completed the same day at any test centre across the UK. Alternatively, employees can be trained and assessed on site. At Radnes, we carry out our training at your premises, this allows our team to asses what equipment is being used and tailor our training accordingly.

While there is no legal requirement to obtain training before the test, it is extremely unlikely that new operators will pass without having some form of practical experience. That’s why we recommend our basic training course for all new operators and conversion courses for operators with existing experience on other types of trucks.

What types of forklift certification are available?

Operators will need specific training and certification for each type of forklift truck they wish to operate. In the UK, certification is issued by one of three licensing bodies; CPCS, ITSSAR and NPORS. Certificates are not transferable, but conversion training can be arranged for operators with experience operating other types of forklift.

Refresher courses are also available for employees who are already certified but may need extra training to meet new legislation. The HSE recommends that all certified employees take a refresher course every three years to maintain proficiency.

Most forklift trucks fall into one of the following 6 categories:

Counterbalance forklift – CPCS category A16

This is the most popular type of truck which is used in warehouses and storage yards across the UK. They consist of two fork arms at the front which is counterbalanced by a weight at the back. Loads can be raised or lowered by the forks which offer a reach of around 20 ft. The forks can also be tilted forwards or backwards by up to 15º. This type of truck can also be fitted with a range of attachments to increase flexibility.

Reach truck – CPCS category A18

Reach trucks are designed for use in warehouses with restricted space. They are called reach trucks because the mast moves independently of the chassis allowing it to reach into warehouse racking to collect pallets. They are extremely manoeuvrable and have a reach of up to 40 ft.

Rough terrain – ITSSAR category J1/J2/J3

This type of forklift is similar to a counterbalanced truck but is equipped with oversized pneumatic tyres which provide greater ground clearance, allowing the truck to be used on rough terrain. They are popular in the construction and mining industries and can be fitted with a range of attachments to suit different applications.

Telescopic forklift – CPCS category A17

This is a unique type of forklift where the forks are connected to a boom which can be extended to provide extra reach. They are available with a range of chassis configurations including two and four-wheel drive and can be fitted with two-wheel, four-wheel or crab steering. Training will have to be tailored to suit the specific type of truck you wish to deploy.

Side-loader forklift – ITSSAR category C2

With side-loader forklifts, the load is carried on the side of the truck instead of the front. This allows greater stability when moving or stacking long loads such as timber and pipes. They are available in a range of sizes and can be fitted with stabilisers to help provide stability for oversized loads.

Pedestrian-operated lift truck – ITSSAR category A1

With a pedestrian-operated truck, the operator walks beside the machine controlling it with a power handle. They are typically electrically powered and will need charging when not in use. These trucks have limited lifting capacity and reach which limits their use to moving goods around the warehouse floor.

What challenges will new operators face

Operators who have never driven a forklift before will be faced with a number of unique challenges. A good training provider will work with trainees to provide practical training to overcome these challenges.

Our experience shows that new operators will need time and practical experience to master the following concepts:

1. Load balancing

Unbalanced forklifts are one of the leading causes of forklift accidents, especially with new operators. At Radnes, we focus on helping operators understand weight distribution concepts and give them plenty of practical experience handling heavy loads. This gives them the confidence to operate a forklift safely under all loads.

2. Restricted vision

Due to their design forklifts have restricted vision out front. When a load is being carried it is often difficult to spot obstacles and pedestrians. It is therefore important that the operator is trained to spot potential obstacles before attempting to use the machine. At Radnes, we train operators to asses their field of vision before each task.

3. Uneven terrain

Sometimes it is necessary for a forklift to work outside in the yard. The surfaces in these areas are often uneven and sloped which can cause the forklift to become unstable. We train operators to compensate for these surfaces allowing them to work safely in all areas and terrains regardless of how much load they are carrying.

4. Fork control

Operators should have smooth control of the forks at all times to ensure the truck remains stable. This is one of the most difficult aspects to master and it can take a little practice for a beginner to become proficient. That’s why we allow plenty of time for practice and have developed lots of exercises to help new operators build the deftness required to operate forks smoothly.

5. Pedestrian avoidance

Forklift trucks can move quickly but have long stopping distances, particularly when carrying a heavy load. It is therefore important that the operator is trained to assess pedestrian traffic which is in and around the operation area before manoeuvring the vehicle. Failure to do so can cause injury and even death, so this is one of the most important aspects of training.

How long does forklift truck training take?

The amount of time it takes a complete beginner to gain enough practical experience to pass the assessment will depend on the type and complexity of the truck involved. But as a general rule of thumb, most training can be completed within five working days. This allows enough time for the operator to become proficient with all the different manoeuvres and gives them the knowledge they need to pass the theory exam.

Advantages for employers and employees

Ensuring staff are properly trained to operate lift machinery has many advantages for both the company and its employees. Here are a few benefits your company and its employees can expect from having staff properly trained to operate forklifts.

Employers

Lower insurance – Having certified forklift truck operators can help to reduce your public and employers liability insurance premiums.

Improved morale – Investing in your staff will increase staff morale helping you to build a more cohesive and efficient working environment.

Increased safety – Properly trained staff create a safer working environment and reduces the risk of accidents.

Greater efficiency – Staff trained to use machinery properly will ensure it is operated within its performance parameters. This lowers maintenance costs and increases efficiency.

Employees

Increased wages – Staff certified to use machinery can expect higher pay than non-trained staff.

More responsibility – More responsibility not only means more pay, but it can also help build confidence.

Greater employability – Certified staff are more employable which means more job prospects and better opportunities.

If you would like more information about the types of forklift training we provide, complete our contact form or give us a call on 0800 195 9831. Our team of expert trainers are always available to answer questions about the training services we provide. We can also arrange a site visit to check your equipment and premises are suitable for training.