FORKLIFT TRUCKS
IS IT TIME TO REFRESH YOUR FORKLIFT OPERATORS?
R
equirements around Basic lift truck operator training are often fairly well understood by
managers, supervisors, and trainers. However, when it comes to refresher training, we often hear questions from supply chain businesses about how often it should be carried out. First, businesses should focus less on the time
frame. The most important consideration is why it is needed. Regular refresher training is key for maintaining
good practices and high standards. It ensures operators have a chance to learn new skills if needed. Plus, it gives businesses the chance to reassess operator’s abilities. Without this, it can be hard to see where bad habits may have crept in. And poor operation can lead to safety risks. Materials handling operations are also varied.
This is one reason why there is no absolute rule on refresher training timescales. There are many occasions where refresher training or re-testing of forklift operators might be appropriate. Maybe an operator has been absent, or not
used a truck for some time. Perhaps operators only ever use a lift truck occasionally (such as during seasonal peaks). Or possibly their working environment, responsibilities, or practices have changed. An operator may also feel like they need a refresher.
If an operator has had an accident or near miss
this is also an indication that refresher training may be needed. Likewise, if they have been observed undertaking unsafe working practices.
HOW OFTEN TO DELIVER FORKLIFT REFRESHER TRAINING HSE’s Approved Code of Practice (L117) suggests there is no specific time period after which you need to provide refresher training or formal assessment. The best way to ensure employees stay competent is to conduct refresher training or a retest after a set period of time, for example three to five years. Many employers automatically set a defined time period of three or five years in their training schedules for refresher training or re-testing. This helps them ensure operators remain competent and safe. RTITB operator registration lasts three years, so it can be helpful to align refresher training with this. If you adopt this approach, ongoing
performance monitoring is still needed. This way operators can receive any intervention or extra training that may be needed before this time period ends.
However, there are important exceptions.
IF AN OPERATOR HAS NOT WORKED FOR SOME MONTHS It is unlikely the operator has forgotten everything they knew. However, refresher training enables managers to revisit best practice and any areas of concern. Refresher training provides the confidence that operators will be safe and efficient. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
guidance also states that employers must not allow any employee to operate a lift truck without re-assessment or re-training if their authorisation to operate has expired. Or if they have been away from work for a period of time.
IF AN OPERATOR IS AN OCCASIONAL USER Many people that achieve a lift truck operator qualification do not use a truck daily. Some may be operators that have moved on to other roles in the business. With a shortage of skills in the warehouse, we see more businesses where those using a lift truck are doing so to fill short- and long-term gaps in resource. For safety and compliance, these employees should receive refresher training before they operate a lift truck again.
28 JUNE 2022 | FACTORY&HANDLINGSOLUTIONS
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