Imagine a workplace where every forklift operator is confident, skilled, and incident-free. This isn’t just a dream—it’s achievable with the correct training. Every year, countless workplace incidents involve forklifts but training is a proven way to prevent incidents and maintain compliance.
Discover five reasons why the correct forklift operator training can transform safety in your workplace.
- It progressively builds safety skills
Forklift safety training should be structured in stages: Basic, Specific, and Familiarisation. This approach helps build essential safety skills.
In RTITB Accredited lift truck operator training, several areas are covered:
- Correct Lift Truck Operation:
Including safe use of hydraulic controls, manoeuvring, and load handling. As well as preparation for real-world scenarios.
- Stability Principles:
Understanding the stability triangle and centre of gravity. Helping prevent tip-overs.
- Hazard Awareness:
Identifying workplace-specific risks. Such as ramps, narrow aisles, and pedestrian safety factors.
- Pre-Use Checks:
Conducting thorough inspections before operation.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
Proper use and emergency protocols.
- Operator Behaviour:
Which factors can impact operating behaviour and how. Including stress, anger, and fatigue.
- It puts theory into practice
Effective training must balance practical experience with theory. This ensures operators have the necessary skills and knowledge. Both for safe operation and for understanding regulations. But most importantly, that they can apply safety rules to practical situations.
With RTITB training materials, the practical is around 90% of the training time. It includes hands-on training. It also simulates the challenges of real-world scenarios.
The theory can be done by using the eTruck UK eLearning tool. Much like preparing for a car driving test this is self-paced and digital.
eTruck uses digital storytelling. It looks at the reasons behind operator behaviour as well as the relevant knowledge. Learners are 20 times more likely to remember information learnt through storytelling. So, they are better prepared for the workplace.
eTruck also has an increased focus on some additional areas. Like decision making under pressure. And how legislation impacts the workplace.
The interactive eLearning also provides context to the theory. Showing why their underpinning knowledge is so important for safety. And what the consequences can be of cutting corners or incorrect operation.
Theory training can also be completed via engaging discussion led sessions. These can take place in a classroom or out in the practical training area. RTITB course programs are designed to bring knowledge to life. They use techniques and tools such as case studies, quizzes, videos and ‘show me tell me’ exercises.
- It reinforces best practice
Many forklift best practices are quite straightforward and part of Basic Operator training. RTITB training materials aim for operators to have a better understanding of what affects their behaviour. Especially around decision making and risk taking.
For example, pressure, stress, fatigue and resulting distractions can all impact safety. Operators should be trained to spot the signs of these issues within themselves. And give them ways to think differently about situations.
Team leaders, managers and supervisors should also be trained to spot the signs of stress, fatigue or distraction. This provides the tools to support operators effectively.
Behind this approach is our Safety Chain methodology. This aims to build competence AND confidence. Alongside content and consistency, this helps companies to see measurable results from training.
- It keeps skills up to date
Refresher training has a key part to play in preventing incidents. As industry regulations evolve, RTITB training materials are updated to uphold training standards. This makes the training effective and current for candidates, as well as compliant for the company.
RTITB recommends refresher training/re-testing for operators takes place every three years. Though there are times it will be required sooner. For example, if there has been a period of absence from work. Or from the operator using the forklift infrequently in their role.
In higher risk operations (like night shift operations), re-assessment or re-training will need to be considered sooner.
Changes to the workplace environment or to the types of equipment used will also require additional operator training. Likewise, if a manager or supervisor identifies signs that an operator may need to improve certain knowledge, skills or safety practices. Here 1:1 coaching session or additional training may be needed.
However, companies should not just consider more refresher training as the default answer to safety issues. If forklift incidents occur, proper root cause analysis is needed. Over-training candidates is not a suitable solution for preventing incidents in future.
- It delivers results that can be measured
The effectiveness of training can be proven around incident prevention. The Reported Injury Frequency Rate (RIFR) is a good measure. An RTITB customer implementing the RTITB Safety Chain achieved an 80% reduction in RIFR. The same customer also saw a 50% reduction in injury severity.
Tracking and comparing incident reports before and after a training program has been implemented can help clearly show positive change. Carrying out audits can also help. Post-training audits and follow-up operational audits, like our RTITB HealthCheck, can be conducted with observations and reviews of documentation.
The RTITB Safety Chain aims to achieve measurable results. From financial savings and productivity increases. Through to better customer retention or satisfaction, and improved ESG performance.
It’s about more than operator training
Forklift Operator training is only one piece of the safety puzzle. Correct management and supervision are also essential to build a culture of safety (not operations) first.
So, managers and supervisors of forklift operations must also receive adequate training. They can then identify good and bad practice and make suitable interventions. Incidents can only be prevented when operators and management are working together effectively.
For more information on how the Safety Chain could help you, or which RTITB training materials could help you prevent incidents, reach out to our friendly team now.
Author:
Gavin Hutchinson, Head of Technical Services for RTITB and Chairperson of the Accrediting Bodies Association for Workplace Transport (ABA)
With over 27 years of dedicated experience in the logistics and warehousing sector, Gavin has a profound understanding of the logistics and transport industry’s intricate operations. For the past 23 years, he has been a registered and qualified RTITB lift truck instructor, imparting comprehensive operator and instructor training for countless individuals, ensuring the smooth and safe operation of machinery and equipping instructors with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively train others on lift truck operations. Gavin also has experience as an Auditor and Examiner. He has been with RTITB for 9 and a half years and currently leads the RTITB Technical team to uphold the highest standards of safety and efficiency. Gavin was appointed Chairperson of the Accrediting Bodies Association for Workplace Transport (ABA) in January 2024.