Ensure Your Forklift Operators Are Fully Trained
At Jofson, we know that your most valuable asset isn’t just your fleet – the people behind the controls. No matter how advanced your Mitsubishi forklifts are, they can become a liability rather than an advantage without proper training. A poorly trained operator can cause accidents, injuries, and significant damage, not just to goods but to people and reputations. Ignoring training could also land your business in legal trouble. Read below for forklift training solutions that will help increase productivity, minimise costs and improve health and safety. Forklift training solutions would also benefit your chances of passing a risk assessment, so it is important that you consider the benefits for your business.
The solution? Investing in comprehensive forklift training isn’t just about compliance, safety, efficiency, and business protection. Properly trained operators improve safety, reduce downtime, and enhance productivity.
What Does Proper Forklift Training Look Like?
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) outlines three key training stages:
- Basic Training – Operators learn the fundamentals, including safe manoeuvring, load handling, and forklift control. This training typically occurs in a controlled environment before operators work in an authentic setting.
- Specific Job Training – This stage familiarises operators with the particular forklift model they will use daily and site rules, safety systems, and load-handling procedures.
- Familiarisation Training – Under supervision, operators work in their real environment, applying their knowledge while learning emergency procedures and site layout and working alongside other team members.
These three steps ensure that operators are competent and ready to work safely and efficiently.
Refresher Training: Why It’s Not Optional
Even experienced operators need refresher training. While there’s no legal requirement for set intervals, bad habits can develop over time. Equipment, load types, or site layout changes can create new challenges. Regular refresher training helps operators stay sharp and reduces risks.
You should schedule refresher training when:
- An operator is involved in a near-miss or accident.
- A new forklift model or attachment is introduced.
- Site layout or procedures change.
- Unsafe practices are observed.
Regular training keeps safety standards high and helps businesses comply with UK forklift regulations.
The Cost of Cutting Corners
Workplace transport incidents remain a significant concern in the UK. According to the HSE, vehicle overturns account for nearly a fifth of all workplace transport fatalities. Every year, over 5,000 transport-related incidents occur in the workplace, with around 50 resulting in deaths.
Skipping training to save time or money is a false economy. Untrained operators are more likely to cause accidents, leading to downtime, legal consequences, and financial loss. In contrast, trained operators complete tasks more efficiently, reducing waste and damage.
Don’t Forget Managers and Supervisors
Forklift safety isn’t just the operator’s responsibility – it starts at the top. Managers and supervisors should be trained to spot unsafe practices, enforce site rules, and foster a strong safety culture.
Supervisors may miss hazards, fail to enforce policies or struggle to hold teams accountable without proper training. Investing in their training ensures that safety becomes second nature in your business.
Common Forklift Training Mistakes to Avoid
Even businesses that invest in training can make critical mistakes. Common pitfalls include:
- Treating training as a one-off event – ongoing learning is essential.
- Neglecting pedestrian awareness – many accidents involve workers around forklifts.
- Ignoring load limits and stability – overloading or improper stacking can cause serious incidents.
- Failing to assess competency -regular evaluations ensure standards remain high.
Practical Steps to Improve Forklift Training
To make your training programme as effective as possible:
- Set a clear training schedule covering basic, specific, and refresher training.
- Monitor operator performance and ensure real-world application of skills.
- Encourage feedback – operators can provide valuable insights for improvements.
- Incorporate real-world scenarios to reflect daily challenges.
A Smarter, Safer Workplace
At Jofson, forklift training is about more than meeting regulations. It also protects people and keeps businesses running smoothly. Investing in quality training leads to fewer accidents, lower costs, and higher productivity.
If you’re serious about safety, ensure that your operators have the right skills, not just once but throughout their careers.
Talk to Jofson today about forklift training solutions tailored to your business.