New course aims to protect staff

AITT says common safety training misconception puts firms and employees in danger.

A new, one-day training course is aiming to correct a common, potentially dangerous knowledge gap among managers and supervisors of forklift truck operations.

The Association of Industrial Truck Trainers (AITT) believes much supervisor safety awareness training is too general to comply with PUWER 98 rules – leaving firms and their employees at risk. Its new course is designed to bring clarity, including a nationally recognised, accredited qualification, without adding to managers’ workload.

AITT Managing Director Liam Knight explained: “Every year, we hear of serious accidents because managers and supervisors either aren’t aware a practice is dangerous, or are turning a blind eye due to work pressures. Often, that’s because their training wasn’t specific enough.

“Under The Provision and use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER 98), it is a legal requirement that managers and supervisors are adequately trained. But there’s a common misconception that if someone’s been trained in another industry or role, that’s job done. In truth, you need something much more tailored. Without it, supervisors won’t have the knowledge to spot bad practice – and you could be liable if the worst happens.”

Importantly, the course’s one-day format recognises the reality of supervising a busy workplace, equipping managers to identify and fix danger points in an operation without requiring several days out.

Liam Knight continued: “One of the key reasons managers might skip safety training is because they simply can’t afford 3-5 days away from work. So this course is focused and efficient – covering all the key aspects to understand what makes an operation safe, and how to correct dangerous behaviour when you see it.

“And because it’s delivered by an AITT-accredited provider, you can be confident the training is compliant and meets the highest industry standards.”

If you are an AITT-registered instructor or training provider, and would like to find out more about running the new manager and supervisor course, contact AITT for more information on 01530 810867 or visit www.aitt.co.ukThe post New course aims to protect staff first appeared on Warehouse & Logistics News.