Those overseeing forklift operations set the precedent for safe practice on site. To do this, they need a sound understanding of the risks involved and how to reduce them, and its essential that they receive the relevant training to ensure they can do so.
Unfortunately, not all businesses provide this sort of management training, despite it being specified as a requirement under PUWER 1998 and Approved Code of Practice, L117. Indeed, 13% of businesses using forklift trucks that we recently surveyed did not provide any such training for their managers/supervisors.
Without the relevant skills, managers can quickly run into issues. A lack of training could leave them unable to recognise and rectify unsafe practice, fully understand their responsibilities, communicate effectively with their team, or maintain and promote health and safety standards, – all essential functions of their role.
To explore why some managers remain untrained, we take a look at the common obstacles faced by businesses, as highlighted by our survey. We’ll also explain how they can be overcome to ensure safety is upheld, for the good of everyone on site.
Barrier 1: Finding suitable time for training
59% of our respondents said manager’s time was one of the main barriers to training for those in supervisory positions. Managers often have incredibly busy roles, and with warehouses to run and targets to reach, time for training can soon slip away.
Fortunately, flexible learning formats offer a solution. Specialist e-learning, like our Managing Forklift Operations course, enables training to be completed at a time and place that is most convenient to the learner. It allows individuals to learn at their own pace, around their other responsibilities and, therefore, needn’t disrupt their daily routine.
Barrier 2: The logistics of organising training
Logistical issues can quickly arise when you begin to plan management training. In fact, 33% of those surveyed claimed the logistics of organising training was one of the main barriers to providing it. For example, where will the course take place? If you are gathering managers from several sites at a central location, there is travel and accommodation to arrange. And, who will maintain operations while all management staff are on a training course together? As the organisational challenges build, so too does the barrier to this important training.
Again, this is where e-learning can provide the perfect solution. By learning online, managers can log on from their own preferred locations, and fit in training when convenient, removing the hassle for those doing the booking and making training much more achievable.
Barrier 3: The cost of training
When your company budget is being stretched thin, you may find it difficult to justify the need to spend on training. Indeed, 17% of those that responded to our survey stated budget as one of the main barriers to training for managers of forklift operators.
However, its vital to remember that, besides the safety and compliance benefits, trained managers also benefit your bottom line. Whilst actively upholding site safety, well-trained managers can reduce the risk of costly accidents and damage to stock, equipment, fixtures and fittings by rectifying bad practice before it causes an issue.
75% of respondents who had implemented management training said they witnessed a significant improvement in those overseeing forklift operations after providing it to them. This demonstrates the real impact management training can have and how making room for it in your budget pays dividends.
Don’t let these kinds of barriers stop you from providing essential training to those overseeing your forklift operations. Your managers play a vital role in the preservation of operational safety, efficiency and compliance – providing them the relevant skills and knowledge ensures they are prepared to fulfil their responsibilities and keep your business running smoothly.
For any further information on specialist training for those managing your forklift operations, contact us or call 01246 555222.