opinion FLTA l Training matters
In last month’s column from the FLTA, we showed why a commitment to training is such an essential first step towards a healthy (and legal) workplace. But further issues should be considered if that training is to make the biggest possible impact.
t is not just operators who need to be trained on fork lift truck safety. An accident is as likely to be the result of a lack of awareness at the top of a company as it is at the warehouse floor.
Managers and supervisors must be able to spot unsafe practices, and need to know how, why and when to carry out effective risk assessments. Without a safe framework to work within, even the most experienced and best trained operator could have – or cause – a fatal accident.
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Without a safe framework to work within, even the most experienced and best trained operator could have – or cause – a fatal accident.
Most good training companies offer supervisor courses. To find out exactly what is required, legally and by best practice, visit
www.fork-
truck.org.uk/safetyweek and download the free Supervisor Training Presentation, developed to support National Fork Lift Safety Week.
Not all training is created equal Just as important is to pick the right trainer. The simplest – and best – way is to confirm they are properly accredited.
The Health and Safety Executive recognises six accrediting bodies for fork lift truck training organisations. You should therefore ensure your trainer has been accredited by one of: • Association of industrial Truck Trainers (AITT);
• Construction Industry Training Board (CITB);
60 ShD October 2011
www.PressOnShD.com
• Independent Training Standards Scheme and Register (ITSSAR);
• Lantra Awards; • National Plant Operators Registration Scheme Ltd (NPORS);
• RTITB Ltd. Remember to check the
accreditation is current – legislation changes frequently, and you need to know that your training provider is up to date – and get confirmation in writing.
Don’t be tempted to cut corners, even if a non-accredited trainer promises to be cheaper.
Refresh or reassess?
Technically (and despite what some agencies will tell you), there is no legal
Apprenticeships: good news all round
If you employ fork lift truck engineers, it’s a good idea to get involved with the new fork lift truck apprenticeship scheme.
The result of ten years’ hard campaigning, the ‘Vehicle Maintenance & Repairs (Lift Trucks)’ course is fully accredited by the Institute of Motor Industries (IMI), and is a forward-thinking, inexpensive way to ensure your company has young, talented engineers ready to take up the mantle when older colleagues retire or move on. Research – and long experience – shows apprentices tend to be hard- working, loyal and receptive to the very latest training. This qualification is your peace of mind that your engineers are up-to-the-minute and dedicated.
requirement for fork lift truck operators to receive routine refresher training at specific intervals. However, the HSE’s Approved Code of Practice and Guidance (L117) states: “There is no specific requirement to provide refresher training after set intervals, but even trained and experienced lift-truck operators need to be re-assessed from time to time to ensure that they continue to operate lift trucks safely. This assessment, which should form part of a firm’s normal monitoring procedures and be formally time-tabled to ensure that it is done at reasonable intervals, will indicate whether any further training is needed.”
This is only common sense. Even the finest operator can, left unchecked, gradually develop bad habits, or begin to take risks. Re-assessment lets employers spot and address this before it becomes a – potentially devastating – problem.
In addition to routine monitoring, formal re-assessment is likely to be needed where operators:
• have not used trucks for some time • are occasional users
• appear to have developed unsafe working practices
• have had an accident, or a near miss • have a change to their working practices or environment. Rather than following a set programme, refresher training should ideally be designed to overcome any specific weaknesses highlighted by the assessment process – it’s more effective, and better value, too. For an aid to re-assessment take a look at the Virtual Risk Manager on the FLTA website. ●
www.fork-truck.org.uk
opinion
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