Fork-lift training raises the standards

Article Type: Notes and news From: Industrial and Commercial Training, Volume 41, Issue 2

Some 120 seasonal workers, permanent staff and team leaders at UK chocolatier Thornton’s have completed training in using fork-lift trucks.

The employees, from central stores and the warehouse, underwent the training,which included beginner courses for novices through to refresher courses for the more experienced.

The courses, delivered by Chesterfield-based NLT Training Services, covered weights and capacity, lifting, loading and unloading, stacking, racking systems and hazards.

Warehouse team-leader Daniel Riley, who completed a refresher course,commented: “The training is beneficial as it keeps you up to date with health and safety, which is important when working in a warehouse or store environment. New employees have to complete the training before they can use the fork lifts and all staff members are obliged to take a refresher course every three years to ensure they are working safely and with minimum risk to themselves and their colleagues.”

NLT training officer Trevor Chesterman said: “At one time, fork-lift truck qualifications would last a lifetime, but this is no longer the case. Courses now have a three-year expiry date. This means that people who do not keep their licences up to date could leave their companies at risk. We recommend that every three years, fork-lift operators undertake a one-day refresher course to ensure employees are operating safely.”