Graph used by Lennon during his presentation, depicting overall reduction in workplace transport injuries. (Forklifts account for the majority of workplace transport accidents in the UK).

Forklift operator training is an area of concern for the UK's Health and Safety Executive (HSE), according to a speech recently delivered by one of its top executives.

Peter Lennon, HSE's head of workplace transport, told the annual National Fork Lift Safety Conference that while workplace transport accidents have overall reduced, the numbers are still too high to risk complacency on safety.

Lennon said one of HSE's biggest aims is to improve operator training and to minimise the damaging effects from inadequate supervision.

Another HSE representative, John Spanswick, told the conference about his experiences of supervisors that obstructed good workplace safety culture.

Spanswick also shared his own philosophy of asking whether and how he felt he had made his employees safer each week.

David Ellison, chief executive of the Fork Lift Truck Association, says the safety conference delivered many new ideas and concepts whilst reinforcing best practice throughout.

"It is clear from a number of accident reports that some forklifts are being operated by employees who have received no formal training. This is not only dangerous for them but also for any work colleagues who are in the vicinity of the truck," Ellison adds.

He explains that the HSE have identified that a significant number of operators were not trained by an instructor from a recognised accrediting body.

"This calls into question the quality of the training received. If the HSE guidance on training is not being followed at a basic level, then it is likely the additional training requirements for different types of equipment are being ignored," he says.

A safe practice checklist, which includes training, is available at http://www.fork-truck.org.uk/safety-checklist.

There were 15 speakers at the FLTA-organised safety conference, including Gary Saigh who came from Canada to inform the attendees on the dangers of tipping trucks. Ruth Waring of Labyrinth Logistics Consulting discussed the dangers associated with loading bays and other high-risk operational areas.