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Fork Lift legislation protects workers

Forklift accidents at work can be devastating to operators and workers. Often taking place in warehouses and building sites, forklift injuries can seriously hinder someone’s ability to work and have grave financial consequences should the person be injured severely.


United Kingdom – WEBWIRE –

For employees it is vital that they are given the correct training in handling Forklift trucks, as the consequences of an under qualified person operating one could be severe.

Forklift accidents at work can be devastating to operators and workers. Often taking place in warehouses and building sites, forklift injuries can seriously hinder someone’s ability to work and have grave financial consequences should the person be injured severely. With the most common types of accidents relating to forklifts overturning or dropping heavy loads, it’s easy to see why the legislation surrounding forklift trucks has been put into place as people can be in serious danger if they don’t know what they’re doing.

The revised Approved Code of Practice for Forklift Trucks 2013 was published in March 2013, and is now a quasi-legal document stating the ACOP (Approved code of practice) surrounding the correct training procedures for those wishing to operate a forklift truck.

The three procedures are recognised by the Health and Safety at Work Act as well as the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations, (PUWER) and are as follows:

  • Basic Training – A training course followed by a test
  • Specific Job Training – Knowledge of the workplace and handling attachments
  • Familiarisation training – Working on the job under close supervision



The updated version, now in its third revision has made significant changes to the training of managers and supervisors. Whilst it is not required for managers and supervisors to qualify as forklift operators, they are still legally responsible for making sure working operations are carried out safely.

The legislation also states that forklifts “should not be operated outside their capabilities” which includes carrying pedestrians, handling loads outside their capacity and being manoeuvred in a way that could cause them to tip over.

For employees it is vital that they are given the correct training in handling Forklift trucks, as the consequences of an under qualified person operating one could be severe. If you have been injured at work by a forklift or injured whilst operating a forklift without the proper instruction you could be eligible for compensation. The accident at work solicitors at Freeclaim can help.

Freeclaim Solicitors have successfully claimed compensation for many clients following forklift truck accidents. One client successfully claimed over £12,000 in accident compensation after pallets from a forklift truck fell and crushed his back. The accident was caused by a pothole in the warehouse floor, which caused the forklift carrying the pallets to unbalance and topple over. This is just one of many successful cases handled by Freeclaim Solicitors.

If you have been asked to operate a forklift without the proper training and you have been injured as a result, Freeclaim can help. We have over 25 years’ experience in obtaining compensation for employees regarding accidents at work and forklift injuries. We fight to make sure you get the compensation you deserve, and as these accidents can be serious, ensure any future rehabilitation needed is covered.

To speak to an experienced and friendly solicitor at Freeclaim call 0800 612 7340 for a no obligation chat and see how we can obtain compensation on your behalf.

You can view all of the changes to the forklift truck legislation here

http://www.freeclaim.co.uk/forklift-truck-accident-compensation/

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