The Forklift Truck Association has recently updated the legal requirements for Forklift Truck refresher training courses.
The importance of refresher training can’t be emphasised enough especially for those who don’t use a forklift on a regular basis. If an employee isn’t using a forklift regularly in a warehouse or on an employer’s premises, things can change and if the employee is not aware of these changes accidents can happen.
Currently, the HSE (Health & Safety Executive) does not stipulate how often refresher courses should be undertaken and it is down to the employer to make decisions on the capability of each operator. That said, employers are obliged to have a refresher program in place that is designed to identify weaknesses picked up through continuous assessments and monitoring of staff.
The updated Factsheet from the Forklift Truck Association states “Lift truck operators, even those who are trained and experienced, need to be routinely monitored in the workplace and, where necessary, retested or refresher trained to make sure they continue to operate lift trucks safely”.
Regular refresher training will ensure operators:
- maintain good driving habits
- learn new skills where appropriate
- Reassess their abilities
Refresher training or retesting might also be appropriate where operators:
- have not used trucks for some time
- are occasional users
- appear to have developed unsafe working practices
- have had an accident or near miss
- have a change to their working practices or environment
The Forklift Truck Association advise that refresher training, if required, should not follow a set programme. It should be designed to overcome the weaknesses highlighted by the monitoring and assessment process.
So if you’re looking for a Refresher course or you have staff that you need to put through refresher training then Forklift Agency can help. We offer training all over the country and are also happy to come to your workplace to deliver the required training.
Call us on 0330 330 9495 to discuss your requirements or alternatively complete the form below and we will be in touch shortly
[contact-form-7 id=”64″ title=”Contact form 1″]
