Winter safety: are your forklift operators in the dark?

Britain’s leading provider of materials handling training is urging companies with forklift trucks to ensure their staff are fully trained to work safely as winter arrives.

Winter brings additional risks, most notably changing light levels, says Mentor Training, in a reminder to managers nationally to confirm forklift operators and colleagues on foot are properly briefed.

Mentor Training technical manager Steve Baldwin explains: "Winter is always a risky time, with high levels of forklift truck activity, and extra pressure to fulfil orders. Although some seasonal dangers, like ice and snow, are obvious, subtler factors like lower light levels arguably pose a bigger risk.

"Even if a yard is well lit, the difference when moving between indoors and outdoors is significant and extra care is required. After all, visibility issues contribute to as many as 80% of forklift truck accidents.

"Naturally, adverse weather conditions pose a clear challenge, too.

"Most importantly, for many staff working with or near fork lift trucks, it will be at least a year since they were last reminded to take account of this in their day-to-day work. It’s therefore essential to review their training, and refresh their knowledge and skills as required."

To help alleviate the issue, Mentor Training is offering a free training review to any company who would like to ensure their fork lift truck safety issues are comprehensively covered.