With HSE obtaining a conviction rate of 94% on its prosecutions and the resulting fines routinely exceeding £1m, the impetus to comply with legislation has never been greater. Especially since the numbers of deaths and injuries involving workplace transport remain depressingly high.
Managing Director at AITT
So what can be done to improve safety and protect forklift operators, their colleagues on foot, and the company itself? The answer is: plenty. And a huge amount of it stems from high-calibre, accredited training and the vast array of benefits that flow from it.
Let’s start with recruitment. Whether that’s for temporary, agency or permanent staff you need to check the validity of their certificate(s). Employers and recruitment agencies can now enter an operator’s ACORNS number into our AITT online tool at any time day or night and find out instantly if training is accredited and legitimate.
Recent developments have also seen us able to offer greater flexibility to both training providers and the businesses that require their services. Launched this year, our new AITT Approved classification covers theory courses that fall outside the scope of accredited practical training.
Through it, AITT will conduct a full appraisal of the course, exploring all aspects including how it is delivered, the aims/objectives, outcomes, and course timings. Courses that meet AITT standards will receive an authentication mark and would be assessed every year in order to retain its approved status. The scheme is straightforward and open to AITT-accredited training providers of any size, presenting them with the opportunity to create new courses endorsed by a leading accrediting body. This gives the training provider credibility and end users the reassurance that a course is verified, approved and monitored by a trusted authority.
Assurance of quality
The biggest single decision an employer can take is to work with an accredited training provider, as it is your assurance of quality and consistency. For the trainee it provides enhanced performance, extra confidence and greater productivity. Accredited training includes:
• Traceability through accurate and instantly accessible records
• Courses that are continuously updated in line with the latest standards
• Backing of industry experts
• Up-to-date resources
• Regular audits to ensure trainers are following best practice
• Independent verification
• Evidence of best practice in the event of a HSE inspection
In 2024, we are aiming to expand our services further and are in the process of developing more efficient instructor training courses for the sector. Watch this space.
AITT
01530 810867
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