Forklift safety first

IOSH Managing Safely: Forklift Operations recognises the important role in safety played by managers and supervisors. The four-day course was developed in close partnership with IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health) and is exclusive to Mentor.

Mentor director Stuart Taylor explains: "In recent years, we have seen the HSE highlight management’s responsibilities and we’ve seen a rise in the numbers of managers, supervisors and directors prosecuted for neglect.”

The nine-module course builds on the IOSH Managing Safely course, which provides delegates from any industry with a practical understanding of what must be done to ensure safety in their teams’ work, with added reference throughout to lift trucks and the environments in which they operate, as well as a full additional module specific to the challenges faced in materials handling.

The IOSH-approved course is delivered on site by instructors qualified to NEBOSH (National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health) standards and with specialist experience in working with forklift trucks. 

As well as being highly relevant, the course is visually engaging and encourages involvement and interaction throughout. Relevant facts, figures and case studies are incorporated alongside recognisable scenarios to ensure that content is memorable and can be easily applied to real life.

Crucially, it meets the legal requirements set out in the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance document L117 (Rider-operated lift trucks. Operator training and safe use. Approved Code of Practice and Guidance), the latest edition of which placed added emphasis on the importance of supervision.

But, according to Mentor, complying with the law is not the only reason managers and supervisors should attend the course.

Stuart explains: "This course has been developed to equip delegates with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to proactively manage forklift operations – not just safely and legally but more effectively, too. Through this, they will discover that good practice has important practical and financial benefits that can make a real difference to their bottom line profit.”