Wetherby Training
Forklift Training covering Yorkshire and Humber
Forklift Training might not be the most exciting personal or company investment that you can make, however its vital that forklifts are operated safely and the likelihood of an accident involving a Lift Truck is reduced and controlled. Our training courses are designed to ensure that operators understand how to prevent incidents and are provided with the operating skills to demonstrate this in a work environment.
In order to maintain compliance with legislation from the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and PUWER Regulation 9 our forklift training instructors are able to provide the following:
- Compliance with HSE Code of Practice for Rider-operated Lift Trucks, Operator Training and Safe Use, a copy is available here
- Have undergone RTITB Instructional Training and Assessment in delivering Forklift Training
- Extensive experience and knowledge of the working environment of forklifts, common causes of accidents and the ability to put this into context for the trainee forklift drivers so that fully understand the importance of operating a forklift safely, while at the same time being efficient and productive.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Common questions we are asked about Forklift Training.
Yes, occasional forklift operators do need refresher training. In fact, refresher training is particularly important for operators who do not use forklifts regularly. Because they operate less frequently, occasional operators may be more prone to skill fade or forget important safety protocols, which can increase the risk of accidents or unsafe practices.
For occasional operators, it’s recommended that refresher training be conducted before they resume using a forklift, especially if they have not operated one for an extended period. This helps ensure their knowledge and skills are current and that they are familiar with any changes in safety regulations or equipment.
Regular refresher training helps occasional operators stay competent and confident in their skills, which contributes to a safer workplace overall. It also ensures that even infrequent operators meet the necessary compliance standards, protecting both them and the organisation.
Regular forklift refresher training provides numerous benefits that contribute to a safer, more efficient workplace. Here are some of the key advantages:
- Enhanced Safety:
Regular refresher training helps operators maintain high safety standards by reinforcing proper operating procedures and updating them on the latest safety regulations. This reduces the likelihood of accidents, injuries, and damage to equipment or property. - Improved Operator Skills:
Training refreshes operators’ skills and helps correct any bad habits that may have developed over time. It ensures that they handle equipment efficiently and effectively, increasing productivity. - Compliance with Regulations:
In the UK, employers are required to ensure that operators are adequately trained and competent. Regular refresher training helps businesses stay compliant with health and safety regulations, reducing the risk of legal issues or penalties. - Reduced Downtime and Costs:
By reinforcing safe practices, refresher training minimises the risk of accidents that could lead to equipment damage or costly repairs. This helps maintain operational continuity and reduces unexpected downtime. - Increased Confidence for Operators:
Refresher training boosts operators’ confidence by confirming that their skills and knowledge are up-to-date. This leads to a more competent and motivated workforce, as operators feel better equipped to handle their responsibilities. - Adaptation to Changes in the Workplace:
Work environments and equipment can change over time. Regular training helps operators adapt to new conditions, such as different layouts, updated equipment, or revised safety protocols, ensuring they remain capable of handling these changes. - Better Hazard Awareness:
Training encourages operators to be more vigilant about potential hazards and to follow risk management procedures. This proactive approach to safety contributes to a safer working environment for everyone.
Overall, regular refresher training is a valuable investment that not only supports individual operator growth but also promotes a safer and more compliant workplace, ultimately benefiting the entire organisation.
Forklift refresher training should be delivered by accredited trainers, such as those certified by RTITB or similar recognised organisations, to ensure compliance with UK standards.
Forklift refresher training involves a combination of theoretical and practical components designed to update and reinforce operators’ knowledge and skills. Here’s what the training typically includes:
- Review of Safety Regulations and Best Practices:
Operators go over the latest safety guidelines, industry standards, and best practices, ensuring they are aware of any updates or changes that may impact their daily work. - Assessment of Knowledge and Skills:
Training includes an assessment to gauge the operator’s understanding of safe operating procedures and their ability to handle the forklift competently. This may be in the form of a written test or a practical skills evaluation. - Practical Exercises:
Operators perform practical exercises that replicate real-life scenarios. This could involve manoeuvring in tight spaces, handling various loads, and navigating potential hazards, all under the guidance of an accredited instructor. - Identification and Correction of Bad Habits:
Refresher training helps identify any unsafe practices or habits the operator may have developed over time. The trainer provides guidance to correct these and reinforce safe, effective handling techniques. - Equipment-Specific Training:
If new equipment or models have been introduced, the training may cover the specifics of operating these machines. This ensures operators are fully capable of handling any updated or unfamiliar features. - Risk Management and Hazard Awareness:
Operators receive training on how to identify and manage workplace hazards, which may include understanding blind spots, safely navigating pedestrian areas, and handling different load types.
Overall, refresher training provides operators with an opportunity to strengthen their skills, address any weaknesses, and stay up-to-date with regulations, ensuring they continue to work safely and efficiently.
Several factors, beyond the typical three to five-year interval, can trigger the need for forklift refresher training. These include:
- Accidents or Near-Misses: If an operator is involved in an accident or a near-miss incident, refresher training is essential to review safe practices, address any skill gaps, and prevent future incidents.
- Extended Absence: When an operator has been away from work for an extended period—such as after long-term leave, furlough, or illness—refresher training helps them reacquaint with safety protocols and operating skills.
- Changes in Equipment: If there is a new type of forklift or material handling equipment introduced, or if there are significant modifications to existing machinery, refresher or conversion training is necessary to ensure safe operation.
- Updated Safety Regulations: When new regulations or industry standards are introduced, refresher training helps operators stay compliant and up-to-date with best practices.
- Unsafe Operating Practices: If an operator has been observed using unsafe practices or failing to follow procedures, refresher training can correct these behaviours and reinforce safety protocols.
- Changes in the Work Environment: Refresher training may be needed if there are significant changes in the workplace, such as new layouts, altered traffic routes, or different working conditions, as these can impact forklift operation safety.
By addressing these triggers, employers can maintain a safe, compliant, and efficient working environment for their forklift operators.
While there is no strict legal requirement specifying an exact interval for forklift refresher training, it is strongly recommended by the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Employers have a legal duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act to ensure that forklift operators are properly trained and competent, which includes periodic refresher training to maintain safety standards.
Regular refresher training helps to ensure that operators continue to follow safe practices, reduce the risk of accidents, and comply with safety regulations. Neglecting this training could lead to unsafe working conditions and potential legal repercussions, making refresher training a critical component of workplace safety for forklift operators.
Forklift operators typically need refresher training every three to five years. However, there are situations that may require more frequent training. For example, refresher training should be conducted if an operator has been involved in an accident or near-miss, if they have been absent for an extended period, or if there have been significant changes in the workplace, such as new equipment or updated safety protocols. These intervals help ensure operators remain up-to-date on safe practices and are able to operate forklifts effectively and compliantly.
All of our instructors worked previously at Tockwith Training Services in York (driving school with yellow trucks) and since the owners retired we have formed Wetherby Training.
The National Operator Registration Scheme (NORS) is the centralised validation, registration and certification scheme for all Road Transport Industry Training Board accredited training. Amongst other benefits, this helps create credibility and trust with customers and regulatory agencies.
The RTITB monitor and assess training standards within the lift truck industry and accredit training organisations that are able to meet their high training specifications. When organisations undertake practical training from an RTITB registered trainer, they can be assured that they are meeting specific objectives and are being independently monitored.
The Road Transport Industry Training Board (RTITB) are the leading body in workplace transport training accreditations. The help business grow and set standards by making measurable improvements to training standards, including efficiency in the workplace, reducing risk and increasing safety.
The first step is to know which forklift truck you need an operator licence to operate. There are manydifferent types of lift trucks and one training course will not cover drivers to operate all machines. The most common forklift truck used in warehouses is the Counterbalance forklift truck.
Examples of the durations for Forklift truck operator courses are; Five days for a novice operator course, three days for existing operator course, and normally a one day course for both refresher and conversion courses. ‘In‐house’ licences are designed around customer requirements and normally consist of just one or two days training, ask for further details if required.
There are no laws stating you must choose accredited forklift training, however the major benefit to an employer is that they will have little difficulty proving the driver was ‘adequately trained in accordance with HSE L117 guidance, after perhaps an incident involving a forklift.
The benefit to an individual with an accredited forklift training ‘licence’ is that they will find it much easier to use their training record/licence on different sites and with different employers, who would find it impossible to check the quality of an ‘in-house’ licence. The advantage of a non-accredited licence is normally a lower price and shorter course duration, as it allows the instructor to customise the training to the benefit of the customer. We can offer both accredited and non-accredited but would always recommend operators gain an accredited licence where possible.
Generally there are four different forklift course types, all with different durations based on driver experience and the number of drivers on each course. The course types are:
- Novice Operators, designed for a complete novice that has never driven a forklift.
- Existing Operators, this course is for normal and competent drivers that are untrained.
- Refresher Course, for forklift drivers who have either a recognised or ‘in‐house’ licence.
- Conversion Course, forklift drivers with a ‘licence’ for one machine can be trained on another machine.
We can deliver forklift training either on customer premises or at our purpose built site in York, North Yorkshire. At our site we have various different loads to lift, from simple 4-way pallets to metal corner post stillages.
Technically speaking there is no such thing as a ‘licence’ to operate a lift truck. However Health and Safety Regulations set out in the publication Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) as published by the HSE, regulation 9 states that individuals need to undergo adequate training for health and safety purposes, it further expands on how this can be delivered. So you may not need a ‘licence’ but you do need to receive training.
