The benefits of getting forklift certified
There’s no doubt that forklifts are an invaluable part of many businesses’ operations, allowing them to get more work done, more quickly and efficiently. But as with any piece of machinery, they don’t come without risks.
The number one way you can reduce risks is by ensuring all workers are trained to a high skill level, which includes forklift certification. The HSE’s Approved Code of Practice for Rider Operated lift truck guidance (L117) states that all forklift training should be delivered by an accredited instructor. While more experienced employees may appear to have the skills necessary to train new forklift drivers, there are many risks associated with this type of casual training.
Investing in correct training ensures you’re staying compliant with the law and following all the standards set out by the HSE – and means you can enjoy the many benefits of having a highly-trained, skilled workforce.
Forklift certification benefits
Certified forklift drivers who have undergone the correct training can add a huge amount of value to your team. Forklift certification benefits include:
• A happier and more confident workforce
Providing correct forklift training not only demonstrates a commitment to investing in your team, but also ensures that workers have the knowledge to carry out their work more confidently. This ultimately leads to a happier and more satisfied team who are confident in their abilities to carry about their work.
• Saving time
The ability to operate forklifts correctly and safely on your site means productivity will be improved vastly. When provided with the right training that equips them with the skills they need, certified forklift drivers will have the ability to get through their workloads much quicker and more efficiently.
• Improved health and safety
Sometimes mishaps are inevitable, especially when operating machinery. But skilled, properly qualified forklift operators are at a much lower risk of having or causing an accident at work.
• Ensuring you’re staying compliant with the law
Providing full training to your workforce means you’re staying on top of the guidelines set out by the HSE and shows a commitment to the health, safety and wellbeing of the team.
• Money-saving
While there’s an upfront cost associated with forklift certification, ultimately investing in the right training can save you money in the long run. Highly trained forklift operatives will work faster and more efficiently. Not only that, but they are also less likely to have a forklift-related accident at work, which could damage the machinery or even cause injury to a worker – something which could cost you valuable money.
How to get forklift certified
The first step is to find a registered instructor who can train you or your workers on both the practical and theory elements of forklift operation. Learning will be a combination of lessons, videos, and practical operation of a forklift under supervision. You’ll learn about forklift safety and legislation as well as the practicalities of forklift operation, like controls, warnings, refuelling and load capacities.
The beginner’s course takes around 3-5 days to complete and includes a theory and a practical exam. At the end of the course, you’ll receive a certificate confirming you’ve successfully passed your training. Refresher courses can usually be completed in a day.
If you’re looking for professional forklift driver training, we can help. We have over 30 years’ experience offering forklift driver training courses to Leeds and Yorkshire businesses. Our courses are suitable for beginners right through to experienced forklift drivers in need of a refresher. They’re tailored to your specific requirements and can be carried out either at our driver training centre or at your site if that’s more convenient.
If you need forklift driver training, don’t hesitate to get in touch for a free quote. Call us on 0113 393 2881 or fill out the form on our contact page and one of our team will get back to you.
