Forklifts are a useful piece of equipment to have in your workplace, providing they are used correctly. Safe operation of a forklift is important; having the correct training can help reduce any accidents that could happen.
On average, forklifts are involved in 25% of workplace transport injuries. To prevent injuries, forklift safety standards should be followed.
Types of Forklift Regulations
Whether you own, hire or operate a forklift, you need to make sure it is safe to use and fit for purpose. These are some forklift regulations you need to follow to ensure both the operator and other staff members remain safe:
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974: Your employees must know how to safely work and not risk their or others health. As an employer, you need to make sure your staff are trained and are supervised correctly.
Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998: These regulations need to be followed when you own, operate or control lifting equipment. Lifting equipment must be fit for purpose and you must use it safely.
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998: For any equipment used in your workplace, you must follow these regulations. Equipment is required to be suitable for the intended use, used by people who have been trained and providing it is safe to use.
Types of Forklift Training
Different training courses are required for different types of forklifts. Completing your forklift training for one machine gives you the qualification to operate that forklift only.
Some different types of forklift training is:
As well as different types of forklift training, the training courses can also be taken at different levels. The four types of training levels in the UK are:
- Novice: If you don’t have any experience.
- Conversion: If you have experience with some forklifts and want to expand to other types.
- Semi-experience: If you have learnt to drive a forklift but don’t have any formal training.
- Refresher: Whilst not mandatory, you are advised to have refresher training every three years.
Safe Operation of a Forklift
Forklift safety standards should be met every time you are operating a forklift. They can be used to help speed up processes and be more efficient. However, with improper use or no training, it can result in injury to your staff.
To ensure the safe operation of a forklift, you should:
- Receive adequate training
- Report defects straight away
- Look around when moving off
- Always look in the direction you are travelling
- Avoid sudden stops
- Wear the appropriate protective clothing, e.g., hard hat and high visibility
Safe Forklifts for Sale at Trucks Direct
We offer a range of forklifts that can benefit your workplace providing your staff have been trained. We recommend Certora Training for professional forklift training that are AITT accredited.
Get in touch with our team of experts for more information on the forklifts we offer and how they can be used in your workplace.