We have partnered with RTITB, the UK’s leading accrediting body for lift truck operator training, to offer accredited, quality eLearning, as an alternative to classroom-based training.
Material Handling Equipment (MHE), and in particular equipment found in warehouses and distribution centres (such as reach trucks, counterbalance trucks, pallet stackers and order pickers, etc.), are an essential part of any business in the logistics chain, allowing businesses to manoeuvre goods easily between storage locations and vehicles. Unfortunately, there is an element of risk associated with any MHE, especially when it is operated in confined environments and/or around other people.
As an employer or supervisor of MHE operators, you are expected to oversee workplace safety, ensure operators will continue to perform to the safest and most efficient standards, report and resolve safety issues, and also ensure that administrative and training objectives are met.
RTITB’s “Managing and Supervising Material Handling Equipment Operations” eLearning course is designed to help you do just this, introducing candidates to the requirements of this critical role and the training and safe operating practices that should be at the heart of any MHE operation. This eLearning course is perfect for anyone looking to develop into a managerial or supervisory role within an MHE environment, and for those already in the role looking to improve their understanding of their duties.
6 course sections providing approx. 3-4 hours of content
1. Health and Safety at Work
2. Regulations, ACoPs and Guidance
3. Operational Experience and Qualification Requirements
4. Administrative Responsibilities
5. Operator Training
6. Operational Safety
How it works
All eLearning material is available to access anytime, anywhere with an internet connection and can be used on multiple platforms such as tablets, laptops and PCs/MACs. Candidates simply log on to the eLearning platform (an email will be sent following license purchase to create an account) and work their way through the course.
As an RTITB eLearning provider, we help to change behaviour for the better and improve safety in transport and warehousing operations through compliant training and testing.
To get started with RTITB eLearning and learn more about our course offering, availability, and pricing, contact us on 01793 975353.
A yacht manufacturer has been sentenced after an employee was injured when his forklift overturned.
Back in August 2018, an employee was injured whilst helping to unload a delivery at the company’s site. The Counterbalance (Forklift) operator was operating a forklift truck in tandem with another driver to lift a large load from a flatbed lorry. Part of the load was lifted to allow the LGV/HGV to move forward however this caused another part of the loads to become unstable and fall against the mast of his lift truck causing it to overturn. He sustained both ligament and muscle damage to his ankle and was unable to return to work for five months as a result.
Having conducted an investigation, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the lifting work had not been planned safely or risk assessed. The employees were not aware of relevant procedures and there were safer alternate methods available which had not even been considered.
The company was fined £200,000 and ordered to pay costs of £7,138.20 after pleading guilty to breaching Section 2 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
HSE Inspector Hatti Shipp said: “The risks associated with unloading vehicles should be recognised and controlled. Complex lifts including handling heavy or unusual loads require careful planning and additional considerations. This incident could have been avoided if safeguards had been put in place. Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”
The importance of forklift trucks in the workplace is sometimes overlooked or taken for granted. At first glance, the role of the forklift in the warehouse is to transport loads from one place to another, but in reality; the forklift is the warehouse’s secret weapon. The forklift is the life-blood of the warehouse, and is integral to boosting productivity in terms of both speed and capacity.
Forklift trucks increase overall efficiency and storage capacity simultaneously. When you consider that walking speed is around 3 miles per hour, and a forklift can travel at around 6 miles an hour, you can begin to put into perspective just how efficient forklifts are. At double walking speed, the forklift can get more done in less time, even while carrying heavy and bulky loads.
With this in mind, it’s no surprise that having forklifts on site helps to get more done in less time. Workforces who use forklifts become naturally more productive, and in some ways less at risk of injury. Most forklifts can carry thousands of pounds in weight, saving employees from attempting to carry heavier loads than they are able to.
With knowledgeable operators behind the wheel, the products being transported by forklift are also much less likely to get damaged. Manual handling leaves a higher margin for error, but as long as forklift is used correctly; that margin is decreased significantly.
However, the speed, manoeuvrability and capacity of a forklift can quickly become a hazard if the driver is not operating the machine correctly. Up to date forklift training is paramount. Here at Key Performance Training we offer a wide range of forklift training courses, and refresher courses. To ensure that your employees are able to utilise the forklifts in your warehouse as safely and efficiently as possible, give us a call today.
Here at Key Performance Training, we have trained hundreds of successful forklift truck operators over the years, which is how we came to be Swindon’s leading RTITB training provider. Our aim isn’t solely to train you up and send you on your way, with us the added value comes from a company with heart who wants to help you on your way to your next career challenge.
So, what are the traits and characteristics of a successful, and safe, forklift driver?
Communication
The first, and arguably, most important part of being a safe forklift truck driver is communication. This might sound obvious, but it’s not just as simple as speaking calmly and clearly to other members of the team. Forklift truck operating requires forward planning and the ability to pre-empt any problems or pitfalls that may require a change of direction. Clearly communicating mitigates the risk of potential harm to you or your colleagues.
Observation
Concentration and coordination are great assets for forklift drivers to have. Being able to focus for long periods of time, while using a high degree of hand-eye coordination and accuracy can make all the difference in your forklift driving skills. One brief lapse in concentration is all it takes for a serious accident to occur.
Diligence
Compliance is a hugely important aspect to forklift driving. Being a diligent member of staff who is able to keep to the required safety standards is a huge must. Cutting corners or skipping steps is a recipe for disaster. Forklift drivers are people who are process-minded and adhere to the rules at all times.
Adaptable
To drive a forklift truck, you need to be able to prioritise tasks, and change strategy in an instant. Keeping calm under pressure is tough, but if you are able to easily adapt to the various requirements of the job, then forklift driving is the role for you.
Problem Solving
Assessing distances, angles, weights and load capacities is all part of the daily work of a forklift driver. Again, forward planning is a must; but if you are also somebody who is able to problem solve with ease then this will put you in good stead.
There are many skills that make a good forklift driver, but the above list is a good place to start. No matter your experience, Key Performance Training are here to help. Get in touch today on 07825 333894 to find out more about our training and refresher courses that we have available throughout 2022. We look forward to helping you unlock your career potential and sharing our connections to Swindon’s best employers!
Did you know that there are on average 35,000 serious injuries and 85 deaths each year as a result of poor safety whilst operating a Forklift Truck? This frightening statistic shows just how dangerous these 4,000kg machines are, especially when those operating do not have adequate training.
However, the majority of these accidents are preventable when both operators and supervisors become aware of the potential hazards and know what they can do to reduce the risks. This is where we come in! Below, are the top 4 major FLT hazards and what you can to do avoid them.
1. Obstacles
Obstacles obstructing the operators view is a hazard that may seem obvious but way too many accidents happen as a result of an untidy warehouse. Some possible obstacles in a warehouse include; pallets, stocks, pipes, poles and barriers.
To significantly reduce the chances of an accident, operators and supervisors need to ensure they are checking for any obstacles that could impede the forklift before and whilst operating. Either by moving these potential obstructions or simply being aware of them, the chances that they will cause an accident, massively decreases.
2. Forklift overturning
Overturning is the leading cause of serious fatalities and deaths when operating a forklift. In fact, overturning is responsible for 25% of accidents.
Turning or stopping too quickly, an unbalanced load, loads that are too heavy or high along with uneven and wet surfaces are all possible causes of a forklift overturning.
The best way to prevent these accidents is adequate training that includes; which surfaces trucks are designed for, at what point the truck becomes ‘overloaded’, speed limits, securing a load and more. However, if an accident does occur where the forklift overturns the operator should NEVER try to jump out of the vehicle and instead brace themselves against the back of the seat and hold on firmly.
3. Attachments
Attachments can be a hazard for several reasons as a change in maintenance, capacity and adjusting to different types of attachments can all cause potential hazards. The main hazard occurs when attachments are subject to poor maintenance. Stretched chains, worn out forks and other run-down areas all increase your risk of injuries.
4. Blind spots
A blind spot is when the operator cannot see past something that is blocking their view. Some common situations when this is likely to occur are; when weather conditions are poor, the lighting of the warehouse is insufficient or the forklift has a full load.
To reduce the risks, employees should direct pedestrians or other employees away from potential blind spots or, if possible, block off the whole area. If this cannot be done, drivers should have a ‘spotter’ when maneuvering around blind spots.
A dangerous hazard that could arise from blind spots is workers being struck or crushed. Having a traffic management plan where for example workers follow a one-way system or barriers are put in place is as good way to avoid this issue. In the instance that this does happen however, then immediately call 111.
What next?
Does your warehouse/organisation want to make sure you have the best level of training to avoid, prevent and deal with incidents when they occur?
Key Performance Training should be your forklift centre of choice! Based in Swindon but covering all of Wiltshire and surrounding areas, we offer forklift training in the optimum standard and that prioritises safety in the workplace.
Contact our Head Trainer David Gearon today; David.gearon@keyperformancetraining.com
To reduce the risks, the operator and supervisors should have a full understanding of the capacity limits and safety protocols on each individual attachment used. Also, before starting a job, the truck should be thoroughly checked to ensure everything is safe and not worn out.
One of the most common questions we get asked is; ‘Which course would be best suited for me?’. This is a question our trainers LOVE to hear as it shows you are dedicated to getting the most out of a course. The more dedicated to learn you are, the better your chances of starting your pathway to employment.
It is crucial that we get a full understanding of your experience and your aspirations from a course for many reasons;
You are happy with the speed and detail of the course.
We can put you on a course with delegates who are at a similar level/experience to you.
Avoid last-minute changes where we decide to move you onto a different course.
You leave the course happy that the qualification you gained will be useful in your employment journey (leads you to find work, a promotion or just to meet safety regulations in a current role).
Are you wondering that exact question of ‘Which course should I do?’ Below is questionnaire for you to get a rough idea.
Experienced Courses;
So now we can ask you, what course should you do?
Novice Courses;
Brief Description-Our RTITB Reach or CB novice courses are for those with little or no experience operating forklifts.
Duration- 3-5 days
Price- £650+VAT
2. Experienced Courses;
Brief Description- Our RTITB Reach or CB experienced courses are for existing operators with some previous experience but who have not had the benefit of adequate, formal lift truck training.
Duration- 3 Days
Price- £400 + VAT
3. Conversion Courses;
Brief Description-Our RTITB Reach and CB conversion courses are aimed at current certified lift truck operators who are wishing to convert their current driving qualification and skills to include a different type of truck.
Duration- 2 Days
Price- £285+VAT
4. Refresher Courses;
Brief Description- Our RTITB Reach and CB refresher courses are for those operators with documentary evidence of basic training and who wish to renew their certification to use a CB truck.
Duration- 1 Day
Price- £140+VAT
Still undecided on which course is for you? Head over to the ‘course content’ section of our website to find out some more details about what each course entails.
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