Why Forklift Training Matters

Forklift trucks are involved in thousands of workplace incidents every year.

Proper training helps operators:

• Work safely

• Protect colleagues

• Prevent costly accidents

• Reduce damage to stock and equipment

• Improve confidence

• Meet employer expectations

Employers also have legal responsibilities under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998 to ensure operators receive adequate training before using workplace equipment.

Step 1 – Initial Assessment

Every course begins with an assessment.

Your instructor will establish:

• Previous experience

• Existing qualifications

• Type of forklift  Counterbalance  Reach Truck  Pivot Steer

• Workplace environment

• Employer requirements

• Course objectives

This ensures the correct course is delivered.

Training may be:

• Novice Training

• Experienced Operator Assessment

• Refresher Training

• Conversion Training

No two courses are exactly the same because every operator starts with different levels of experience.

Step 2 – Health & Safety Theory

Before anyone operates a forklift, they'll complete the theory element of the course.

Topics normally include:

Health & Safety Responsibilities

Operators learn:

• Employer responsibilities

• Operator responsibilities

• Safe systems of work

• Workplace safety

One of the most important subjects covered is stability.

Operators learn:

• Centre of gravity

• Stability triangle

• Load centre

• Capacity plates

• Effects of overloading

Understanding stability helps prevent one of the most serious forklift accidents—overturning.

Daily Pre-Use Inspections

Operators are shown how to carry out daily checks including:

• Tyres

• Forks

• Mast

• Chains

• Hydraulics

• Brakes

• Steering

• Warning lights

• Horn

• Seat belt

• Battery or LPG system

Identifying defects before use helps keep equipment safe and reliable.

Workplace Hazards

Training also covers:

• Pedestrians

• Blind corners

• Racking

• Loading bays

• Slopes

• Poor visibility

• Speed limits

• Safe parking

Step 3 – Practical Training

Once the theory section has been completed, operators begin practical training.

This takes place using the actual type of forklift they will operate in the workplace.

Training is progressive, allowing operators to build confidence at each stage.

Typical exercises include:

Mounting and Dismounting

Operators learn the safest method of entering and leaving the truck.

Moving Off and Stopping

Developing smooth, controlled operation.

Steering Exercises

Learning accurate manoeuvring in confined spaces.

Load Handling

Operators practise:

• Picking up pallets

• Transporting loads

• Stacking

• De-stacking

• Working at height

• Safe fork positioning

Reversing

Many workplace accidents occur while reversing.

Training focuses on:

• Observation

• Control

• Pedestrian awareness

• Correct use of mirrors

Working in Restricted Areas

Operators learn techniques for:

• Narrow aisles

• Tight corners

• Confined warehouse environments

Step 4 – Practical Assessment

Towards the end of the course, operators complete a practical assessment.

The assessment confirms they can safely:

• Carry out daily checks

• Operate smoothly

• Handle loads safely

• Stack accurately

• Reverse safely

• Follow site rules

• Demonstrate good observation

The assessment is not designed to catch people out.

Instead, it confirms that operators have developed the competence required to work safely.

Step 5 – Theory Assessment

Most courses also include a written or verbal theory assessment.

Questions cover:

• Safety responsibilities

• Stability

• Daily inspections

• Workplace hazards

• Safe operating techniques

The purpose is to ensure operators understand not only how to operate a forklift, but why safe procedures are important.

Step 6 – Successful Completion

Following successful completion, operators receive certification confirming they have completed the appropriate AITT Accredited training course.

Employers should retain training records as part of their health and safety documentation.

Training records may also be useful when:

• Demonstrating competence

• Planning refresher training

• Internal audits

• Insurance enquiries

Training Delivered at Your Workplace

One of the biggest advantages of using GH Training is that courses are delivered at your own premises.

Operators train using:

• Your forklift trucks

• Your warehouse

• Your loading areas

• Your traffic routes

• Your normal working environment

This provides more relevant, practical training than using unfamiliar equipment.

Types of Forklift Training Available

GH Training provides:

• Counterbalance Forklift Training

• Reach Truck Training

• Powered Pallet Truck Training

• Multidirectional Forklift Training

• Vertical Stock Picker Training

• MEWP Training

• Overhead Gantry Crane Training

• Novice Courses

• Refresher Courses

• Experienced Operator Assessments

• Conversion Training