 The skills of daily operations were tested by using basketball hoops to simulate operating in a confined space. |
Homebase forklift operators from across the UK tested their skills in a competition organised by the company's materials handling partner, Briggs Equipment.
Thirty-eight forklift operators participated in the event that focused on health and safety, and damage reduction.
Held at Homebase Distribution in Northamptonshire, the inaugural Homebase Driver Challenge was designed by Briggs as part of a unique training program.
Participants took part in two heats of timed trials complementing everyday forklift application duties. The top drivers from the heats competed in five different trials during the final to win the Driver of the Year title.
Participants were judged by Mentor FLT Training Ltd, which looked for consistency of speed, accuracy and safety throughout all of the games.
Ben Wilson, head of national accounts at Briggs, says the competition was held to encourage Homebase's forklift drivers to operate the trucks using safe work practices.
The trials involved a theory test and driving exercises. However, the final trials were different. The skills of daily operations were tested by using equipment like basketball hoops to simulate operating in a confined space, moving awkward or fragile loads, stacking and using precise hydraulic movement.
The final saw Mark Dowthwaite from Lincoln Homebase stores crowned the overall winner. He completed the five final trials in a combined time of 22 minutes, just 30 seconds faster than the closest runner up.
Clive Hillman, store equipment manager at Homebase's parent company, Home Retail Group, says: "The Homebase Driver Challenge has been just one element of a wider campaign to influence driver behaviour and reduce damage to trucks and racking in the stores."
Briggs Equipment, which has secured a new contract with the home improvement company, is dedicated to working closely with Homebase as part of its on-going partnership. The value of the contract is confidential.