Forklift operators taking safety seriously
Forklift trucks are central to warehouse operations all over the world, but many people operating them are not fully trained.
Friday, 17 Aug 2018 12:42 GMT
A rise in conversion training is encouraging, but workplaces across the country have a way to go before eradicating forklift truck casualties completely
From agriculture and construction to the printing and signage industries, forklifts are used everywhere. However, many companies operate under the impression that a forklift certificate allows the driver to operate a range of trucks, where this is simply not the case.
According to the Fork Lift Truck Association (FLTA) there are 1,300 forklift accidents a year, meaning that on average, there are five accidents a day involving forklift trucks. Statistics from HSE report that nearly a quarter of workplace transport accidents involve forklift trucks, with the majority caused by poor supervision and insufficient training.
The forklift industry accrediting body AITT (Association of Industrial Truck Trainers) has reported a 27 percent increase in fork lift operators taking conversion courses, aimed at enabling experience operators to work on a wider range of fork lifts.
General manager of AITT Adam Smith explains: “It’s a positive sign that our message is getting across. For too long, it was assumed that once an operator has gained a certificate to drive a forklift s/he was entitled to operate any model with just a bit of practice and experience. Like so much bad practice, it was a based on a heady mix of confusion, ignorance or sheer disregard for the legislation.”
For too long, it was assumed that once an operator has gained a certificate to drive a forklift s/he was entitled to operate any model with just a bit of practice and experience”
Employers need to be aware that operator training falls into three categories, and those with basic forklift training require further knowledge and skills before operating different types of truck. Basic forklift training takes place offsite and is very comprehensive. Specific job training follows basic training and allows operators to practice in conditions similar to the workplace. The third is familiarisation training and is carried out in the workplace allowing the operator to apply skills learnt in the previous two stages.
Conversion training, which allows skilled operators to learn how to operate different trucks, is the stage that is often overlooked. Operating counterbalance or articulated trucks is very different to what is taught in basic forklift training and employers should take heed of this legislation when putting operators in charge of new machines.
Smith adds: “Progress is being made but there is still plenty of confusion out there. We are happy to advise employers on their responsibilities in confidence and without any obligation.”
‘Safetember’ is the month-long annual campaign by the FTLA and runs throughout September, with the aim of launching initiatives and resources with the aim of reducing the number of forklift injuries across the country. Due to the severity of forklift accidents, the theme this year is ‘You don’t walk away from a forklift accident’ which aims to highlight just how important it is for operators across all industries to take training and safety seriously.
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