The RTITB has warned about the dangers of ‘casual’ training after the Health and Safety Executive revealed that some businesses allow lift truck “training” to be carried out by a forklift operator, who may or may not be correctly trained themselves, rather than using professional lift truck instructors.
“Forklift training should be delivered by an instructor who is trained and qualified, as clearly outlined in the Approved Code of Practice for Rider Operated lift truck guidance (L117) from HSE,” said Laura Nelson, RTITB managing director.
“It is true that a good forklift operator can make the best instructor, and there are many benefits to training up an operator who is already familiar with your operation to become an instructor. But they do need to complete their instructor training to make that transition. Instructor training consists of more than just the forklift operating skills.”
The RTITB offers lift truck instructor courses that can be purchased from a network of RTITB accredited providers or from the RTITB Instructor Academy.
