The facts and figures
Forklift trucks can be dangerous in the workplace and on average are involved in around a quarter of all workplace transport accidents. Often this is due to poor supervision and lack of training. In 2020/21, 142 workers were killed in workplace accidents, the most common type of fatalities being falling from a height (35), being struck by a moving vehicle (25) and being struck by a moving object (17) (HSE, 2021). Furthermore, each year within the UK there are over 5,000 accidents involving workplace transport. However, whilst both fatal and non-fatal injuries have generally shown a downward trend, they are still evidently present and only non-fatal injuries are continuing to decrease (HSE, 2020).
Warehousing and storage include a range of activities which can create a variety of risks and hazards therefore implementing practical and effective safety methods is evidently one of the most important requirements. Many businesses make use of forklifts, and they can pose dangers to both operators, bystanders and members of the general public. The HSE (2007) state all employees should have basic training in health and safety, the hazards associated with their job, the equipment they use and the precautions they must take.
Health & Safety Obligations
There are several regulations and statutory requirements in the UK which both employers and employees must adhere including Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER), the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HASAWA) and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER). It is important that, although there are differing responsibilities within the workplace, you are aware of what you are responsible for.
Why forklift training is an essential part of health and safety
Employers can reduce the risk of accidents and injuries in the workplace, ensuring staff are properly equipped to undertake their job role and are confident and competent drivers by organising thorough, adequate training. As forklift operators have a responsibility for their own health and safety as well as that of others, training is imperative. It is critical operators understand the machinery including weight issues, travel speed, turning the machine and how to operate this safely in the working environment. Furthermore, they need to be aware of their responsibilities to their own health and safety and that of others, including being aware of their surroundings, having a clear view, load basics and the hazards they may face.
The reason for continuous training such as refresher training if often questioned? Why train again when you already know what to do? You’ve heard it all before? Refresher training is as equally important as novice training if not more so. Over time people often become lapse in their safety habits, awareness of environmental changes and competence & skill set can decline, particularly if they aren’t used regularly. It is therefore imperative training is periodically repeated to ensure continued competence, reducing the risk of workplace accidents and casualties, which is also highly recommended by the HSE.
What can we do for you?
Logistics Training Services are an RTITB accredited forklift training company, one of the most widely recognised transport training accreditations within the UK. Reducing workplace transport accidents cannot happen by solely doing the bare minimum. RTITB provide robust training requirement and hold companies accountable for their work ensuring they meet the highest of standards. We are proud to say we have been a part of their accrediting body for 11 years and excel in providing high quality training whilst achieving top results.
Our company provides forklift training on a wide range of machine types and ensures that the candidate, whether novice or refresher, leaves the course being fully aware of their role, responsibilities and the skills to work confidently and safely. We work with our clients to ensure that the training works for them, often adapting courses to add additional guidance which may be specific to the role or work environment.
