Lift trucks are used extensively for moving materials and goods, and as a result are involved in about a quarter of all workplace transport accidents in the United Kingdom. The deaths and injuries caused by lift truck-involved accidents can ruin lives and businesses. Even when such an incident does not cause injury, it can still mean costly damage to lift trucks, buildings, fittings and goods. Furthermore, a lift-truck operator is anyone who operates a lift truck, even as a secondary or occasional part of their job, not only those whose job title is lift-truck operator.
It is important to note that even though the approved code of practice (ACoP) and guidance on training apply to stacking rider-operated lift trucks and do not explicitly cover all types of lift truck, the general principles can be used as a guide when training operators of other truck types. General lift truck types explicitly included in this ACOP include industrial counterbalanced trucks, industrial reach trucks, rough-terrain counterbalanced trucks, variable reach trucks (telehandlers), side-loading trucks, container-handling trucks, articulated trucks, pedestrian-operated trucks (pallet stackers), order-picking trucks, very narrow aisle (VNA) trucks and straddle trucks, although this is not an exhaustive list, and there may be exceptions.
This approved code of practice includes an outline of the main legal requirements relating to lift trucks as well as guidance on operator training for stacking rider-operated lift trucks. It also includes information about lift truck features; guidance on the safe use of lift trucks and how to protect pedestrians; and guidance on the maintenance and thorough examination of lift trucks.
An Approved Code of Practice describes and outlines the preferred or recommended methods that can be used, or standards to be met, to comply with the Regulations and the duties imposed by the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. The guidance also provides advice on achieving business compliance, or it may give general information, including explaining the requirements of the law, more specific technical information or references to further sources of information. All ACOPS are approved by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Board.
*with respect to rider-operated lift trucks
Employers are legally required to consult all employees, in good time, on health and safety matters. In workplaces where a trade union is recognised, this will be through official union health and safety representatives. In non-unionised workplaces, employers and employees can consult either directly or through other elected representatives.
Furthermore, consultation involves employers not only giving information to employees, but also listening to them and taking account of what they say before making health and safety decisions. Issues employers should consult employees on could include:
