Why invest in training?
August 1st 2006

By ensuring all your materials handling equipment operators are well trained, not only can you be sure that you are meeting your legal requirements, but you can also increase productivity too. BT Rolatruc reports Accidents in the workplace are top of the agenda for many organisations: how to improve the process, limit risks and ensure the management and their workforce recognise, comply with and adhere to safe working practices are all key areas of concern.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reports that in 2004/5 there were 150,559 workplace injuries resulting in 7 million working days lost. The report does not identify accidents that are attributable to any particular type of equipment, for example: earth moving equipment, road vehicles or lift trucks, but upon discussions with the HSE they confirmed that in 2005 there were 2566 reportable accidents directly involving lift trucks.

The cost of these accidents to employers is enormous. The HSE reports that sick pay alone costs employers £310 million a year.

On top of this employers lose between £780 and £4,310 million each year as a result of damage to goods and machinery, and between £2,970 and £5,580 million a year as a result of output losses.

If we total all costs resulting from work place accidents, employers lose between £2.4 and a staggering £6.4 Billion a year.

Investing in training pays Effective materials handling operations are dependant on a number of crucial elements: a well-organised process, suitably trained management and staff, identification and limitation of potential hazards, the right equipment for the job and a reliable back-up system.

Each element is vital in ensuring a safe and efficient working environment.

However, ultimately, it is the skill of the operator that will play a major role in the efficiency of the company.

An operator that lacks the skill and motivation will usually have the greatest impact on overall productivity due to increased operating costs resulting from accidents and errors.

A skilled and motivated driver will not only provide higher throughput, but will also avoid the risk of additional costs in terms of stock and equipment damage – or worse still human injury. Additional costs such as these can be enormous, both in financial and personal terms.

Legal requirement It is a legal requirement for all companies to take responsibility for the safety of their employees. In the case of lift-truck operators this means training and certification on the specific types of machinery they are required to operate.

Whilst an up-to-date licence is a prerequisite for an operator, the development of good driving standards will not only maintain safety in the workplace but will also pay dividends in improved efficiency and will consequently deliver higher levels of overall profitability.

The Health and Safety Commission has recognised several accrediting bodies to help set and maintain professional training standards, in order to assist employers to select training organisations or lift-truck suppliers who can offer a high standard of training.

There are several regulations that need to be adhered to, including: The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) and the Approved Code of Practice for Operator Training (ACOP) all stipulating that adequate information, training and supervision must be provided to employees involved in the operation of lift-trucks.

Choosing the right training provider When looking for a training provider it is important to look for a company that is accredited, has a proven track record in the delivery of training to the highest standard and has the necessary equipment, facilities and professional trainers on board. They should be able to offer a complete range of courses for all types of lift-trucks.

BT recognises the benefits that can be made from optimum operator performance, which is why they have an unrivalled reputation for ergonomic truck design – the first step in ensuring optimum productivity.

BT has worked with a number of customers helping to improve staff motivation which has subsequently impacted performance levels, through increased cost awareness and recognition of individual achievement.

Total training solution BT, as an RTITB accredited training provider, has the ability to provide all of your requirements from the initial planning to the organisation and implementation of the courses. With BT the hassle and worry of planning a training course is eliminated.

All of the BT courses offer complete flexibility with a wide range of courses suitable for any requirement, from one off training courses to total training solutions.

All of which are designed to maximise the benefits that can be derived from an effective man-machine interface.

Where appropriate, BT can visit you at your premises to discuss your training needs and suggest suitable cost effective solutions, at no extra charge. If required, BT will provide resident trainers that will work exclusively for your company. Residential trainers will take on board the management and implementation of all your company's training needs ensuring adherence to all legislative requirements.

In circumstances where training requirements are vast it may be more cost effective to have your own in-house trainers.

BT can provide training courses that will bring your in-house trainers up to the required standard enabling them to train your employees efficiently and safely.

Choosing BT as your training specialist means you are partnering with a quality assured company that provides a friendly response, with innovative solutions and and minimal costs. Properly trained drivers mean businesses with better safety records, greater productivity and economic savings.

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