The last 50 years has seen major advances in the design, performance, and operation of workplace transport equipment. The role of the fork lift truck has increased along with its capabilities - its use now extending to every corner of the workplace, in all sectors and industries. Unfortunately, despite huge advancements in the design and application of fork lifts, they remain one of the largest single causes of workplace fatalities in the UK - often causing in excess of 800 injuries per year.

Earlier this year, the Health & Safety Executive confirmed their long-standing commitment to workplace transport safety with the release of their 3rd edition of the Approved Code of Practice for the use of Rider-operated lift trucks (L117).

Of greatest significance is the added emphasis placed on the training of managers and supervisors. The new edition stipulates that those in supervisory roles should be sufficiently trained to identify any potential hazards occurring in everyday fork lift operations, specifically being able to;

• Carry out an effective observation and know what to look for
• Communicate effectively with operators and line managers
• Recognise unsafe practice and behaviour
• Maintain and promote health and safety standards

Mentor's Managing Forklift Operations course fully meets and complies with this new guidance. Recognising that carefully-prepared safety procedures are only as good as the supervisors who enforce them, the course equips managers with the specialist knowledge and confidence to stop a dangerous situation in its tracks.

Managing Forklift Operations covers relevant legislation, responsibilities under law, potential penalties, and key safety principles such as stability characteristics and pre-shift checks. To date, almost 1000 managers and supervisors have been trained and are putting theory into practice among their teams, implementing the correct operating procedures and spreading key safety messages within their workplace. The course was also shortlisted in the IMHX Design 4 Safety Awards 2013 under 'Safety Practices', for it's contribution to the promotion of safety awareness and incident reduction.

Though readily available in its existing format, the Managing Forklift Operations course can also be tailored to reflect customer specific environments and procedures. Mentor have the experience and capacity to develop and deliver tailored training courses and, as part of their new Performance and Risk Management division (Mentor PRM) can provide bespoke solutions nationwide, in line with the latest best practice guidance.