The UK’s accrediting body for instructor and operator training in the workplace transport sector, the Association of Industrial Truck Trainers (AITT), is reminding industry participants of the need for correct materials handling equipment training and accreditation.

The AITT cites data from the Accrediting Bodies Association (ABA) which reveals more than 100,000 accredited certificates for training on materials handling equipment were issued last year.

“That’s a big number,” the AITT states. “But here’s the bigger one: how many non-accredited certificates were handed out last year?

“No one knows. And that should worry every single company that uses lift trucks.”

It is a timely reminder during the month when we recognise National Forklift Safety Awareness Day.

AITT managing director Liam Knight says while 100,000 certificates is something to be celebrated, too many employers are still accepting training which is not externally verified.

“A certificate might look official,” Knight adds. “But unless it’s accredited, there’s no way to know the trainer was competent, the training was up to standard, or the test was even carried out properly.

“If you’re responsible for operator safety, you need to ask yourself: who’s checking the checker.

“Accredited training isn’t a luxury. It’s the baseline. If it isn’t accredited, it isn’t accountable — and that should be a red flag for anyone responsible for safety.”

AITT, one of the founding bodies of the ABA, is calling on employers to:

- Ask for proof of accreditation when booking training
- Refuse to accept uncertified operators
- Use training providers registered with an ABA member