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 we offer Fire Marshal Training courses in partnership with Tactical Tuition?
Many organisations neglect Fire Marshall Training in their workplace, school or group. Before anything else, we believe it is important to establish the need for completing this course before we explore how the course works.
What Is A Fire Safety/Marshall Course?
Key Performance Training are in close partnership with Tactical Tuition, who are a leading Oxfordshire based Health and Safety training company. This means we can offer Fire Marshal Training courses that result in a nationally recognised Level 2 qualification for all successful delegates.
The course is classroom / theory based and can be completed in the space of 1 day (6 hours). Within the classroom, delegates will learn the role of the necessary designated Fire Warden and how they can go on to prevent fires in their organisation.
Who Is The Course Designed For?
Two questions you may be wondering:
Could a Fire Warden course be suitable for you?
How should you decide who should be the designated Fire Marshall for your organisation?
The 3 main people who should complete this course to follow the HSE guidelines are:
Anyone in your organisation who has a direct responsibility to oversee Fire Safety in the workplace. (If no one in your organisation has this responsibility, you are not meeting the legal HSE requirements).
The designated Fire Marshall/Wardens of your company should complete a training course. This needs to be refreshed every 3 years to ensure the Fire Marshall’s knowledge is up to date and they are best equipped to deal with any emergency scenarios.
Anyone who needs to know how to use a Fire Extinguisher.
What Will You Learn?
It may be a surprise to you that there are a range of areas within Fire Warden Training which include:
Combustion principles
Common causes and the chemistry of fire
How fire and toxic fumes spread
The risks associated with fire in the workplace
How fire risk is controlled in the workplace
Fire safety legislation
The role of the Fire Marshal/Warden
Fire risk assessment
Emergency plan
Fire safety precautions
Action on discovering a fire
Fire drills and evacuation
Fire exit and fire safety signage
Moving through smoke-filled areas
Assembly points and roll calls
Use of fire-fighting equipment
Fire extinguishers: Water, Foam, CO2 & Powder
Fire blankets & hose reels
What Next?
Could you or your organisation benefit from Fire Warden Training and would any of your employees be suited to the course?
If so, get in contact with us today on 01793 975353
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.
For companies who value the safety of their workers, choosing the right Health and Safety training provider is a priority and not a decision to be made lightly.
At Key Performance Training , we work with Tactical Tuition to provide a variety of First Aid and Health and safety training courses that can be carried out in our Swindon warehouse or a location suitable for your organisation.
In this blog post we will go over some of the many reasons as to why we believe tactical tuition should be your H&S Training provider of choice.
Our trainers.
We believe that the most important part of any course and the extent of knowledge the delegates learn is mainly down to those teaching.
Tactical Tuition don’t teach ‘at you’ they teach ‘with you. They provide motivating training that redefines the standard.
This is proven through the constant 5-star reviews they receive through Trustpilot for their work which reflects their passion and enthusiasm.
2. Fully accredited
When you have a business , you must be certain that you are following the regulations put in place , including having a full First Aid Kit and at least 1 first aider for every 50 people employed.
Following the legal HSE guidelines , we will equip you with the skills and get you qualified. TT are Regulated by Ofqual , under their Regulated Quality Framework (RQF) , accredited by the FAA and FutureQuals – providing businesses with accountable , quality assured practical knowledge , backed up by real-world knowledge.Bespoke Courses
3. Bespoke Courses
Following on from our earlier point that we work ‘with you’ instead of ‘at you’, it is highly important to us that we meet your company needs.
This is why we offer bespoke courses where we work with you and tailor our regulated , quality assured courses to meet your specific needs.
We understand that many businesses can’t afford to take time off work to go to first aid training courses so we can be extremely flexible by doing weekend evening courses as well as travel to a location that best suits you within the South of England.
4.Offer FREE First Aid Health Checks
Are you and your business unsure what you need to put in place to meet your legal requirements? No problem. We conduct FREE First Aid Health Checks and come back to you with a detailed report on how you can improve and most importantly how we can help you improve.
Our experienced trainers will arrange either a call or visit to your workplace, school or group and talk you through everything you need to meet the HSE regulations.
Alternatively you can find out online using our First Aid Health check report by clicking the link below;
We are here to help. We can guide you through a needs assessment to establish what you need to meet the legal requirements – and also what mix of courses and tailoring will be best fit for you. Talk to us today;
Before we tell you more, it is important to understand the benefits that First Aid Training can have on an organisations and its employees. Below are 4 of the main benefits, however they do not stop there, the advantages are endless!
1. First Aid Training Saves life’s.
Do you and/or your company want to be completely prepared to deal with any incident in the workplace?
If the answer is yes, you are on the right track to safety!
This could be the most self explanatory benefit for most, but often individuals and companies underestimate the impact that First Aid Training has on the reduction of serious incidents and even death in the workplace.
2. Cost effective
Some may neglect adequate First Aid Training due to unwanted costs that may seem ‘pointless’.
However , when you begin to realise that the cost of a course is nothing compared to the damage caused for the company and loved ones when there is an accident or death in the workplace.
3. Increases workplace morale.
This may seem like a surprising benefit of First Aid Training but it is actually proven to boost morale in companies for several reasons, including;
Makes employees feel they are cared for by their organisation.
Helps employees look out for each other which will bring them closer.
Learning skills that can also be used outside of work makes employees feel they have accomplished more in their role.
4. Keeps employees safe outside of work.
The skills you learn in First Aid Training are for life and can be used in a variety of different scenarios- in and out of the workplace.
You never know when a serious situation will arise and having the confidence that your employees will be able to deal with this in the most effective way is great for any company who care about there workers.
Interested to find out more?
The courses that we deliver in partnership with Tactical Tuition UK are designed to be informative, fun and engaging. Our aim is to create an optimum learning environment , with out First Aid training courses being run in-house, at your workplace or at a location that suits you.
Regulated by Ofqual, under their Regulated Quality Framework, accredited by the FAA and FutureQuals – our courses provide accountable, quality assured, practical knowledge, backed up by real-world experience from our trainers.
