Operating a forklift is not as simple as it may look. Because forklifts are potent and powerful machines, inadequate training can lead to serious accidents, severe injuries, and in many cases, deaths.
Investing in comprehensive safety training for your employee operators is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of workplace accidents and injuries. But there are also several other reasons that investing in RTITB-accredited forklift training and certification is a wise decision for any business.
Here are just a few benefits of ensuring your employees are properly trained to operate a forklift.
Reduced Risk and Chances of Accidents
While no forklift operator is ever immune from accidents, those who have received proper training are far less likely to be involved in one. Thoroughly trained operators know how to handle their forklifts safely and effectively, which reduces the likelihood of an accident occurring.
With around 1,300 UK employees being hospitalised each year with serious injuries following forklift accidents, forklift safety training is not something that should be taken lightly.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) estimates that 25% of all reported accidents involving powered lift trucks were due to inadequate operator training, further illustrating the importance of proper training.
Improved Performance and Efficiency
Highly trained and skilled forklift drivers can transport all kinds of heavy goods in a fast, steady, and careful manner. They know how to manoeuvre the machine in tight spaces, load and unload goods quickly and safely, and keep the forklift running smoothly.
In other words, trained operators can help improve your business’s performance and efficiency. By ensuring that your employees receive proper training, you can rest assured knowing that they will be able to operate the forklift quickly, effectively, and safely.
Reduced Inventory Losses and Damage
When operating a forklift goes wrong, not only are human lives at stake, but the company’s and clients’ property is also at risk of being damaged.
Forklifts that are not appropriately operated can cause extensive damage to inventory, products, and equipment in environments such as warehouses. However, with the proper training, your employees will know how to handle your company’s valuable assets with care.
The reduction in inventory losses, damaged goods, and repairs alone can pay for the forklift training several times over.
Improved Morale and Motivation
Operating a forklift can often be a demanding and stressful job, especially if the operator is not adequately trained.
However, by investing in forklift safety training for your employees, you give your employees the confidence and skills they need to excel in their roles. This, in turn, can lead to improved morale and motivation among your workforce.
Better Knowledge of Forklift Machinery, Leading to Reduced Maintenance and Upkeep Costs
Upon completion of RTITB-accredited forklift training, employees will have a much more comprehensive understanding of the vehicles they operate on a daily basis.
They will know how to properly maintain and care for their forklifts, which can help reduce long-term maintenance and upkeep costs. In addition, they will also be able to identify any potential problems with the machinery, allowing you to address them before they cause any significant damage to people or property.
Book Your RTITB-Accredited Forklift Training Course with TL Training Today
At TL Training, we offer RTITB-certified training for a range of different power vehicles and plant machinery, including forklifts. As an accredited partner of RTITB, we can help your employees obtain the certification they need to operate a forklift safely and effectively.
We also offer on-site forklift training, which is a convenient and cost-effective solution for businesses that need to train multiple employees at the same time on the machinery they will use day-in, day-out.
To learn more about our forklift training courses, you can browse our extensive catalogue here. Or, if you would like to book a course at our site or your business premises, please contact us today on 0151 343 0588 or via email at [email protected].
