Blog 2018
Nov 2018 - Entire Warehouse Rack Shelving Fell Like Dominoes Following a Forklift Accident
A driver travelling along an aisle at a distribution warehouse nudged the pallet rack as he tried to avoid some boxes. This caused the pallet rack to collapse, triggering a chain reaction resulting in entire shelving in the warehouse to come down like dominoes.
The video of the incident was uploaded on Facebook recently and had already been viewed nearly two hundred thousand times. It is not known where or when this incident occurred or whether anyone was injured.
You can view the incident on Facebook by clicking on the image below.
Wallace School of Transport is a fully accredited RTITB company and therefore rest assured that you will receive the best possible forklift training at an affordable cost. If you have any questions, call Wallace Forklift Training for free on 0800 612 8948, choose option 3 or click here to email us.
Sept 2018 - Ways to Ensure Forklift Safety
Forklifts are found in most warehouses and factories and are generally safe to use. However, when used inappropriately or by an untrained driver, forklifts can be dangerous and even fatal as shown by statistics from Health and Safety Executive (HSE). It reveals about 5427 workplace transport injuries and about 68 fatalities in year 2004/5, 24% of which were caused by Forklift trucks. Most injuries are caused by the heavy and sharp arms and the forklifts are also prone to tipping over if handled improperly.
With training from RTITB accredited organisation and right equipment, most accidents can be avoided. Here are some of things to consider:
Appropriate Forklift Training
It is vitally important that the forklift operator is trained for the job he/she is performing. If there is an accident involving a forklift truck with an untrained operator, then the organisation could be liable and sued for negligence. Read our March 2018 blog - What to Look for when Choosing a Forklift Training Organisation?
Use Right Equipment for the Job
There are a number of different types of forklifts available to suit various jobs and terrains, such as Counterbalance, Reach and Moffett forklifts with electric or diesel power with a choice of tyres. For example, electric forklifts are best suited for indoor operations and light lifting. Heavier-duty diesel forklift may be required for lifting heavier loads and in outdoor yards. In tight spaces, a forklift with a good turning radius will improve safety, productivity and efficiency.
Maintain the Forklifts
It is vitally important that the forklifts are in good working order and are well maintained. Inspect the tyres, lights, signals and other critical parts of the forklift on a routine basis, as recommended by the manufacturer and is equipped with all safety accessories like corner mirrors to improve operator visibility. Inspection of forklift vehicles after each shift is recommended, or at least once in a day.
Other things to consider for safe operation of the forklifts are to create and enforce operating rules such as speed limits and to create awareness of the dangers for all the staff.
For more information, click here to visit the HSE website.
Wallace School of Transport is a fully accredited RTITB company and therefore rest assured that you will receive the best possible forklift training at an affordable cost. If you have any questions, call Wallace Forklift Training for free on 0800 612 8948, choose option 3 or click here to email us.
July 2018 - What to Expect on a Counterbalance Forklift Truck Operator Course?
An RTITB approved course will give you all the skills you need to operate a Counterbalance Forklift Truck safely and efficiently. Counterbalance Forklift Trucks are the most common trucks used in indoor warehouses and stores. They can also be used outdoors on stable and even surfaces and have dual forks at the front of the truck that lift and transport the loads.
Here are some of the common questions asked before attending the course:
Is the training course all about driving the forklift truck?
You will get practical and theory training which covers topics like legislation, causes of accidents, operators' safety code and the stability characteristics of the course.
Will the truck loads on training be the same as my workplace?
Our RTITB approved training is designed to simulate a variety of different workplace scenarios. However as not every work place scenario can be covered we will teach all the basics to operate a counterbalance forklift truck.
How long will the course be for an experienced operator?
If you have trained and have successfully tested before, you can do a 1 day refresher course. If you are experienced but have never formally trained or tested, you are eligible to do a 3 day course. Contact Wallace School, an accredited RTITB training provider, to help you choose the right course and duration.
If you have any more questions, call Wallace Forklift Training for free on 0800 612 8948, choose option 3 or click here to email us.
May 2018 - RTITB warns how the risks are increased by unaccredited “in-house” forklift training
Following the theme from our March Blog, RTITB warns about the risks of using unaccredited forklift training companies.
Laura Nelson, RTITB Managing Director says that the failings of in-house training only become apparent when there is an incident. Accredited training is externally verified and confirmed as meeting the requirements of Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) Regulation 9.
Even if the in-house forklift training programme includes delivery of a course by RTITB registered instructor, this does not provide training at the level compliant with PUWER explains Laura Nelson. Likewise, companies using accredited training organisations to deliver an ‘in-house only’ certificate are also not providing training at an independently verified standard.
RTITB accreditation of a company enables the business to deliver training that is compliant with relevant legislation and Codes of Practice,” says Laura, explaining that in the event of an incident, RTITB accreditation also means businesses and their employees can prove high quality training has been provided and that appropriate safety measures have been taken. And in turn reduce costs and improve efficiencies in their business.
Accredited training offers a clear record of what was covered in the training and the duration of the training, as well as information to confirm that testing took place under the proper conditions. Conversely, in-house courses may not cover all of the required topics for skilled operation and safety and in addition, the testing process cannot be guaranteed to have been administered correctly and fairly. In the event of an accident, in-house training may not have the protection of a clear audit trail demonstrating that they have done what is required by law.
Wallace School of Transport is a fully accredited RTITB company and therefore rest assured that you will receive the best possible forklift training at an affordable cost.
Click here for more information
March 2018 - What to Look for when Choosing a Forklift Training Organisation?
It is vitally important for those looking for forklift training to choose the right organisation, as it could impact their job prospects. The forklift training organisation, and not just the person providing training, must be RTITB accredited.
If you are not sure an organisation is RTITB accredited, ask them to show you a copy of the certificate of a person who has passed. The certificate must have the following information:
- an RTITB Accredited Training Organisation
- Operator Training Number
- The person who has passed must have his name entered on the RTITB NORS database
Click on the image to see a sample certificate from an RTITB Accredited organisation.
Choose your forklift training provider wisely as it will enhance your job prospects.
