RTITB, the UK and Ireland’s leading forklift truck training accrediting body, is advising businesses to ensure forklift operation supervisors have up to date training, revealing that many supervisors are unaware of their accountability.
“Whilst there is a certain amount of responsibility placed on the forklift operator, it is up to management to oversee the operation” says Laura Nelson, Operations Director, RTITB. “This helps to avoid accidents in the workplace and also prevents potential damage to valuable stock or equipment.”
Even experienced, fully trained forklift truck operators should be routinely supervised and monitored when operating machinery to ensure that they are abiding by safety protocols, making it even more important to ensure the supervisor has up to date training.
According to the HSE (Health and Safety Executive), the law requires the employer to provide adequate supervision and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) state that the employer must ensure all people who use, supervise or manage the use of work equipment have received adequate training. They must have enough training and knowledge to recognise safe and unsafe practices and understand the risks involved and how to avoid or prevent them.
The sense of pressure to meet tight deadlines may lead an unsupervised operator to neglect certain safety protocols, resulting in mistakes being made or accidents occurring. One of the best ways to avoid this is to ensure that not only the operators, but the supervisors and managers are completely up to date with their training.
RTITB’s supervisor training courses are designed to teach managers and supervisors an understanding of their statutory responsibilities with regards to lift truck operations. These courses also ensure that management adheres to PUWER, regulation 9b and other associated legislation.
RTITB’s management training courses take just one day to complete and, providing that the premises meet relevant legislation and safety requirements, the course can be carried out at premises across the UK and Ireland.
“Another challenge is that many supervisors have never been drivers themselves,” says Laura Nelson. “A high level of concentration is required to operate efficiently, accurately and safely and, as supervisors are not required to undergo operator training, they may not always be able to identify good or bad practice.”
Supervisors who have attended an RTITB training course are trained in how to properly communicate with their team members, in order to maintain a flow of information about safety to operators and management. The course also covers such topics as statutory responsibilities, management of health and safety, PUWER, LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations), the design and limitations of equipment and associated equipment (including attachments) used and the maintenance and inspection of equipment.
These skills are important for the safe and effective operation of materials handling equipment and accredited training and supervision is the most effective way to ensure proper safety precautions in the workplace. As with other roles in the workplace, supervisors should also be monitored and assessed to ensure standards are maintained.
RTITB offers training courses for operators, supervisors and managers through their network of training organisations across the UK and Ireland.
Tel: 01952 520200
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