Many companies that operate forklift trucks are failing their managers with potentially serious ramifications as a direct result of lack of training.
The work equipment regulations, in effect since 1998 were quite clear that operators of forklift trucks required training, common sense really. The same regulations also specified the same requirements of managers and supervisors.
Regulation 9, Part 2 of the PUWER Regulations state:
‘Every employer shall ensure that any of his employees who supervises or manages the use of work equipment has received adequate training for health and safety purposes, including training in the methods which may be adopted when using the work equipment, any risks which such use may entail and precautions to be taken.’
While companies have addressed the issue concerning the training of their operators as competent individuals, many are overlooking the importance and legal requirement surrounding the training of their managers and supervisors.
Consequently managers and supervisors are overlooking potentially fatal bad practices. Employers have a legal duty to ensure adequate supervision where work equipment is in use. As a result it is critical that managers/supervisors are safety aware when it comes to:
- Basic principles and load handling limitation
- Site conditions and operating limitations
- Traffic/pedestrian management requirements
- Risk Assessment
- Maintenance and inspection requirements
- Storage, stacking and racking limitations
- Common causes of accidents in UK industry
With the introduction of new corporate manslaughter and homicide regulations in 2007 company directors are inadvertently exposing themselves to prosecution in the event of an accident as a direct result of inadequate training.
Alba Forklift Training offer Safety Awareness courses geared towards managers and supervisors to help employers meet their legal obligations.
Alba Forklift Training is accredited by RTITB and ITSSAR, two of the largest HSE recognised accrediting bodies. With over 30 years instructing experience in the materials handling industry we believe we are in a position to offer the most professional solutions and advice to our customers.
For more information on this course and the Instructor/Operator courses we also offer please contact us on 01236 630300.
