Ability Handling Ltd are a member of the Forklift Truck Association and as part of this we regularly update our customers with the latest safety topics, regulations and guidelines in regard to forklift truck operation and forklift truck maintenance.

Forklift trucks are not a toy and they can be very dangerous if not used properly and thus it is important that when a workplace has them in operation correct supervision is given.

The responsibility falls to managers and supervisors who will be questioned if anything goes wrong and an accident occurs. As part of regulation 8, Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER 98) makes it very clear that every employer has to hold responsibility in order to ensure that any lifting operations are planned and supervised running smoothly.

In addition regulation 9, Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER 98) outlines that any manager or supervisor who is overseeing the operations must have sufficient and adequate training up to a specific level.

Although the managers and supervisors do not need to be able to physically operate a truck what they do need to do is to know enough sufficient information about the operation characteristics and the hazards which could become apparent when carrying out various tasks.

They have to have the confidence to be in a position to identify and stop any bad practices which are occurring in regards to forklift truck operation. Forklift safety is of extreme importance as mentioned before these are machines not toys and when an accident occurs it could prove to seriously injure someone and even prove fatal.

Stomp out bad practices when operating a forklift truck and always follow the health and safety guidelines.