Materials handling equipment training specialists Mentor Training, has launched a series of forklift hazard perception videos for this year’s National Forklift Safety Day (NFSD).

The videos have been developed for operators of counterbalance equipment, reach trucks and PPT (powered pallet trucks), and have been designed to help improve hazard awareness and reinforce safe working practices in warehouse environments.

NFSD is organised annually by the UK Material Handling Association (UKMHA) and is one of the material handling industry’s leading safety initiatives, aimed at promoting safer workplaces and raising awareness of the importance of effective training and risk management across the sector.

This year’s theme, Technician Safety, highlights the importance of protecting not only operators, but everyone working around material handling equipment. 

In support of NFSD, the Mentor Training Forklift Hazard Perception Challenge features realistic warehouse scenarios filmed in a large-scale distribution setting, from an operator’s perspective. The videos encourage viewers to identify potential hazards while navigating a warehouse environment, both on foot and from the driver’s position on the truck.

Adam Smith, commercial director at Mentor Training, explains: “The videos work similarly to the hazard perception element of a driving theory test. Viewers watch from the operator’s point of view and are challenged to spot hazards as they appear on-screen. I’m very impressed with how effective these videos are and am excited for others to give them a try – people may find it surprising just how little forklift operators can see from their seat!”