Who Authorises a Forklift Operator? Employer Authorisation Explained
Completing forklift training does not, by itself, give an employee permission to operate a lift truck at work.
Once an operator has received appropriate training and demonstrated competence, the employer should formally authorise them to operate the relevant lift truck or trucks in the workplace.
A training certificate provides evidence of training and operating ability. Authorisation is the employer’s permission for that person to operate specified equipment within their workplace.
Who Is Responsible for Authorising a Forklift Operator?
The employer is responsible for deciding who is permitted to operate workplace lift trucks.
HSE guidance in Rider-operated lift trucks: Operator training and safe use (L117) explains that, following successful completion of the required training stages, operators should receive written authorisation to operate the lift truck or trucks they have been trained to use.
The three stages are:
- Basic training
- Specific job training
- Familiarisation training
The employer should also be satisfied that the operator is competent before allowing them to use the equipment. Read why forklift familiarisation matters.
Is a Forklift Certificate the Same as Authorisation?
No.
A forklift training certificate is evidence that an individual has received relevant training and demonstrated an appropriate level of operating ability. It is not a workplace licence, and it does not automatically authorise someone to operate every forklift at every workplace.
There is also no government-issued forklift licence for operating lift trucks in the workplace.
Training certificate = evidence of training
Employer authorisation = permission to operate
What Should Written Authorisation Include?
A practical written authorisation should identify:
- The operator’s name
- The date of authorisation
- The type or category of lift truck
- Any approved attachments or special conditions
- Operational limitations or restricted work areas
Employers can issue individual authorisations and/or maintain a central authorisation record. The important point is that there should be clear evidence of who is authorised to operate what.
Need a simple employer authorisation record? Contact GH Training for practical guidance on operator training and workplace records.
Does Counterbalance Training Authorise Someone to Drive a Reach Truck?
Not automatically.
An operator trained and authorised on a counterbalance forklift should not assume this gives them permission to operate a reach truck, pivot steer truck or another category of equipment. Additional or conversion training may be required where the equipment differs from that for which the operator was previously trained.
Employers can also compare the relevant counterbalance, reach truck and pivot steer course requirements.
Can Someone Operate a Forklift Without Authorisation?
HSE guidance states that people should not be allowed to operate lift trucks on the premises without authorisation, other than trainees operating under close supervision.
Instead of simply asking, “Have you got a forklift certificate?”, an employer should establish:
- Has the person received suitable training?
- Are they competent on this type of truck?
- Have they received workplace-specific instruction?
- Have they completed appropriate familiarisation?
- Have they been authorised to operate?
These are separate questions.
What About a New Employee Who Already Has a Forklift Certificate?
A new starter may arrive with evidence of previous forklift training, but the employer should not automatically treat that certificate as permission to begin operating immediately.
The employer should consider whether the previous training is appropriate for the equipment and work involved. The operator may need specific job training and familiarisation with the new workplace, including:
- The lift trucks being used
- Site layout, traffic routes and pedestrian areas
- Racking, loading areas and speed limits
- Local procedures and typical loads
- Attachments, restricted areas and workplace hazards
- Emergency arrangements
Does Forklift Authorisation Expire?
Authorisation should not simply be issued once and forgotten.
Employers should continue to monitor authorised operators and review competence when circumstances indicate that this may be necessary. Examples include:
- Unsafe operating practices
- An accident or near miss
- Long periods without operating
- Changes to equipment, attachments or the workplace
- Deteriorating operating standards
Refresher training may be appropriate where monitoring or assessment identifies a need. For more detail, read Do Forklift Licences Expire?
What Does PUWER Say About Forklift Training?
PUWER Regulation 9 requires employers to ensure that employees who use work equipment receive adequate health and safety training, including training relating to the methods of using the equipment, the risks involved and the precautions that should be taken.
Read: PUWER and Forklift Training
Read: LOLER Regulations Explained
Training, Competence and Authorisation Are Different
Training → Assessment → Workplace Familiarisation → Employer Satisfied With Competence → Written Authorisation → Ongoing Monitoring
This sequence helps employers separate evidence of training from the workplace decision to permit an employee to operate specified equipment.
Good Practice for Employer Authorisation Records
A useful record can include:
- Operator name and equipment category
- Training completed and training or assessment date
- Relevant certificate or training-record details
- Restrictions or approved attachments
- Date authorised and the person issuing authorisation
- Review and monitoring arrangements
Good records give managers and supervisors a practical way to establish who should and should not operate particular equipment.
Supervisor Responsibilities
Written authorisation only works when it is supported by effective supervision.
Managers and supervisors should know which employees are authorised, challenge unauthorised operation and continue monitoring operating standards. Where unsafe practice develops, the response could include additional supervision, reassessment or refresher training depending on the circumstances.
Need Help With Forklift Operator Training or Authorisation?
GH Training provides AITT Accredited forklift and workplace transport training for businesses across the North West.
We provide novice, experienced operator, refresher and conversion training across a range of workplace transport equipment.
If you need help assessing an operator’s training requirements or understanding how training, familiarisation and employer authorisation fit together, contact GH Training or request a training review.
Train Today • Work Safer Tomorrow.
Call 01925 500796
Not sure whether an operator needs refresher, conversion, familiarisation or another type of training?
Complete the Free Training Gap Check
Related Employer Guidance
