There is no legal requirement for forklift truck operators to receive routine refresher training. Such training may be needed in certain circumstances.

The HSC Approved Code of Practice and Guidance states the following:

"There is no specific requirement to provide refresher training after set intervals, but even trained and experienced lift-truck operators need to be re-assessed from time to time to ensure that they continue to operate lift trucks safely. This assessment, which should form part of a firm's normal monitoring procedures and be formally time-tabled to ensure hat it is done at reasonable intervals, will indicate whether any further training is needed."

In addition to routine monitoring formal re-assessment is likely to be needed where operators:

• have not driven trucks for some time.
• are infrequent users.
• show signs of unsafe working practices.
• have had an accident, or a near miss.
• their working practices or environment have changed.

It is advisable that refresher training, if required, should not follow a set programme. It should be aimed to correct the weaknesses highlighted by the monitoring / assessment process.

Page content courtesy of the Fork Lift Truck Association.