When it comes to your fleet, your most valuable assets aren’t your forklifts — it’s the people behind the controls. Because without proper training, even the best equipment can become a liability.
A poorly trained operator can cause accidents, injuries, and serious damage — not just to goods, but to people and reputations. Ignoring training could easily land your business in legal trouble.
The fix? Train your operators well, and you’ll not only improve safety but boost efficiency and productivity too.
What does proper forklift training look like?
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) breaks training into three key stages:
- Basic Training – The initial stage where operators learn the essentials. This includes how to control a forklift, manoeuvre safely, and handle loads without tipping or damaging them. This type of training typically happens away from production in a controlled environment with simulated loads before they set foot in a real working area.
- Specific Job Training – Here, training gets practical. Basic training might’ve been conducted on a different make or model of truck, but specific job training gets them to grips with the controls of the truck they will be working on daily. At this stage, the learning typically includes site rules, how to navigate tight spaces, safety systems, routine truck inspection, and how to handle specific loads. Every workplace is different, so this training is essential.
- Familiarisation Training – Now it’s time to put everything into action. Under supervision, operators start working in the real environment. It may include things that are hard to simulate in a controlled environment such as:
- Emergency procedures
- Site layout
- Working alongside other operators/pedestrians
- Becoming familiar with the activities of colleagues
These three steps ensure your operators are safe, competent, and ready to work. Without them, risks multiply.
Refresher training: why it’s not optional
It’s an often-overlooked aspect, but even experienced operators need regular refresher training. And the reason it gets overlooked is because there's no legal requirement to do it at set intervals.
But at the end of the day, a truck is only as good as the driver, and even a single change of load or equipment can present them with a whole different set of operating conditions. Over time, bad habits creep in. People cut corners, get too comfortable, or forget best practices. A refresher course brings them back up to speed.
It’s important to understand your operational risks and how they change — this helps you decide when to schedule refresher training. While 3–5 years is the general guideline, your business may need a different approach.
You should also schedule training when:
- An operator is involved in a near-miss or accident.
- You introduce a new forklift model or attachment.
- There’s a change in site layout or procedures.
- You notice unsafe practices developing.
Refresher training keeps standards high and accidents low. It also helps businesses comply with UK forklift safety regulations.
The cost of cutting corners
Workplace transport incidents, including forklift accidents, remain a significant concern in the UK. According to the HSE, vehicle overturns account for nearly a fifth of all deaths in workplace transport accidents. Forklifts are among the vehicles most prone to overturning.
Furthermore, the HSE reports that every year there are over 5,000 incidents involving transport in the workplace, with around 50 of these resulting in fatalities. These statistics highlight why comprehensive forklift operator training is crucial — not just to avoid injuries but to protect businesses from downtime, legal consequences, and financial loss.
Skipping training might seem like a way to save time and money. It’s not. Untrained operators are more likely to have accidents. It’s not worth the risk.
On the other hand, trained operators work smarter. They complete tasks faster, handle equipment more efficiently, and avoid expensive mistakes.
In short, training pays for itself.
Don’t forget managers and supervisors
It’s not just about operators. Managers and supervisors need training too. They should know how to spot unsafe practices, enforce site rules, and support a strong safety culture.
Forklift safety isn’t just the operator’s responsibility — it starts at the top. Managers and supervisors set the tone for safety standards, risk management, and team expectations. Without proper training, they may miss unsafe practices, fail to enforce site rules, or struggle to build a company-wide culture of accountability.
If they don’t understand forklift safety, how can they ensure their team does?
Supervisors must be able to understand equipment capabilities, identify potential hazards, and know when to step in. They should also check that operators consistently follow best practices, not just immediately after training. When managers and supervisors are well-informed, safety becomes instinctive in the business — not an afterthought.
Common mistakes in forklift training
Even businesses that invest in training sometimes make critical mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
- One-and-done training: Training isn’t a one-time event. Ongoing learning is crucial to maintain skills and safety awareness.
- Neglecting pedestrian awareness: Many accidents involve people working around forklifts. Training should cover how to work safely alongside others.
- Ignoring load limits and stability: Overloading forklifts or improper stacking can cause serious accidents. Operators need to understand weight distribution and safe handling techniques.
- Failing to assess competency: Just because someone has completed training doesn’t mean they’re fully competent. Regular assessments help maintain high standards.
Practical steps to improve forklift training
To make your training programme as effective as possible, consider these steps:
- Set a clear training schedule: Ensure all operators go through basic, specific, familiarisation, and refresher training at regular intervals.
- Monitor operator performance: Track how well employees apply their training in real-world situations.
- Encourage feedback: Let operators share their experiences and suggestions to improve training.
- Incorporate real world scenarios: Training should reflect the actual conditions workers face daily.
A smarter, safer workplace
Proper forklift training is never just about ticking a box — it’s about protecting people and keeping everything running smoothly. Investing in good training means fewer accidents, lower costs, and a more productive team.
If you’re serious about safety, make sure your operators have the right skills. Not just once, but all throughout their careers.
Want to know more about training? Contact our team or call: 0845 3713048.
