Stay Safe. Stay Certified
Stay compliant, reduce risks, and protect your team with proven forklift safety practices
Your Legal Responsibilities
Under UK law, forklift operation is not just about skill – it’s a legal responsibility. Employers and operators must comply with regulations designed to keep workplaces safe.
The main laws covering forklift operations include:
Approved Code of Practice for Forklift Trucks
The HSE’s Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) for Rider‑Operated Lift Trucks (L117) was updated in 2013 and is now the key standard for forklift training in the UK. It sets out the three stages of operator training – basic, job‑specific, and on‑site familiarisation – and makes clear that managers and supervisors must also be trained to spot unsafe practices and maintain safe operations.
Following the ACOP isn’t optional – it has legal weight under UK health and safety law. FT4U’s courses are fully aligned with the latest ACOP, giving operators and employers the knowledge, skills, and compliance they need to keep every shift safe.
NORS – National Operator Registration Scheme
The National Operator Registration Scheme (NORS) is a centralised UK system maintained by RTITB that records certified forklift operators and their training detail
- Valid for three years: Once your training is completed, NORS registration remains active for three years. RTITB will automatically send a reminder when it’s time for renewed training
- Operator Benefits: It enables quick access to duplicate certificates, easy verification of your credentials, and may improve eligibility for funding assistance
- Employer Benefits: Employers can confidently verify operator records, identify accredited operators via their NORS number, and ensure timely refresher training to maintain safe, compliant operations
FT4U registers all candidates on the NORS database and ensures operators receive RTITB-issued certification, helping validate training and support compliance with best‑practice requirements.
Training & Competency
- Forklift operators must receive proper training before using any truck.
- Training should cover theory, practical skills, and site-specific instruction.
- Only certified instructors can deliver this training (FT4U uses RTITB-accredited trainers).
HSE states that refresher training is strongly recommended every three years, or sooner if there’s been:
-
An accident or near miss
-
Evidence of unsafe practice
-
A change in the type of truck or working environment
⚠️ Common Hazards
Forklifts are powerful, essential tools, but when used incorrectly, they can become one of the biggest risks in the workplace. Understanding the most common hazards helps operators and employers prevent accidents before they happen.
The most frequent forklift hazards include:
- Overturning – Often caused by sharp turns, speeding, or uneven ground.
- Collisions with pedestrians – A leading cause of workplace injuries when walkways aren’t clearly marked or drivers aren’t alert.
- Overloading or unstable loads – Loads that are too heavy or poorly stacked can tip, fall, or destabilise the truck.
- Poor visibility – Carrying loads that block the view or working in low‑lit areas can lead to accidents.
- Lack of maintenance – Worn brakes, tyres, or hydraulics increase the risk of failure and unsafe operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a licence to drive a forklift?
There isn’t a government‑issued “forklift licence” in the UK, but you must have formal training from an accredited provider before operating a truck. Employers are legally responsible for ensuring only properly trained operators use forklifts.
How often should refresher training be done?
The HSE recommends refresher training every three years – or sooner if there’s been an accident, unsafe practices spotted, or if you’re changing trucks or environments. This keeps skills sharp and prevents bad habits.
Is there a minimum age for forklift training?
Yes. Operators must be at least 16 years old (or 18 in certain high‑risk workplaces). This ensures they have the maturity and awareness needed for safe operation.
Can I operate a forklift without supervision once trained?
After completing accredited training, you can operate a forklift – but supervisors are still required to oversee safe practices and step in if unsafe behaviour is seen.
What happens if I have an accident while driving a forklift?
Investigators will ask when your last training took place and whether the correct procedures were followed. Keeping up‑to‑date training and records helps protect both the operator and the employer.
Check Out Our Instagram
Looking to build your reach truck skills?
FT4U provides practical, RTITB-accredited Reach Truck Training for novice and experienced operators, as well as conversion and refresher courses.
Our training helps operators develop the skills needed to work safely and confidently in warehouse environments, including narrow aisle operation, stacking and de-stacking.
Courses are tailored to your existing level of experience.
Ready to start your training?
📞 023 8178 8893
📧 enquiries@ft4u.co.uk
🌐 www.ft4u.co.uk/reach/
#ReachTruckTraining #ForkliftTraining #RTITBAccredited #NORSRegistered #WarehouseTraining #ForkliftCourse #OperatorTraining #WorkplaceSafety #ForkliftSafety #SouthamptonBusiness #HampshireBusiness #FT4U
Very good week at FT4U training site running two Exxon Mobil courses side by side, myself on the counterbalance and our other trainer Viktors on the Rough Terrian Masted.
We were both lucky to have two fantastic candidates each who as always with Exxon pass with with flying colours.
Unfortunately they don`t use social media so they are unable to see their praise but we thank you all for working with us, complying and applying the skills you are taught and being successful👏
Well done all and we look forward to seeing you again on a potential conversion course.
#ft_four_u ##rtitbinstructors ##rtitbtraining #warehousesafety #mhetraining
Forklift training that fits around your working week.
FT4U now operates six days a week, with Saturday training available for individuals and businesses looking for more flexibility.
We provide professional training across a wide range of Material Handling Equipment (MHE), including refresher and operator training for different equipment types and experience levels.
Whether you need to refresh your skills or arrange training for your team, Saturday appointments can make it easier to get the training completed without disrupting the working week.
📞 Get in touch with FT4U to book your Saturday training.
#ForkliftTraining #MHETraining #SaturdayTraining #ForkliftRefresherTraining #ForkliftSafety #WorkplaceSafety #OperatorTraining #ForkliftOperator #MaterialHandling #FT4U
Another happy customer! ⭐
Thank you to Anna for sharing this brilliant feedback and rating her experience with FT4U 10/10.
Every trainee has different experience, confidence and learning needs. Our instructors take the time to provide clear, supportive training that helps each individual get the most from their course.
Looking for professional forklift training delivered around your needs? Get in touch with FT4U today.
📞 023 8178 8893
📧 enquiries@ft4u.co.uk
🌐 www.ft4u.co.uk
#FT4U #CustomerFeedback #CustomerTestimonial #ForkliftTraining #ForkliftSafety #OperatorTraining #RTITBAccredited #WorkplaceTraining #WarehouseTraining #MaterialHandling #HampshireBusiness #Eastleigh
Did you know forklift training is not just for operators? 👷
Managers and supervisors also need suitable training and knowledge to recognise unsafe working practices, understand their responsibilities and help maintain a safer working environment.
Effective supervision can help prevent poor habits from developing and ensure safe procedures are followed throughout every shift.
Need help understanding your workplace training requirements? Speak to the FT4U team today.
📞 023 8178 8893
📧 enquiries@ft4u.co.uk
🌐 www.ft4u.co.uk
#FT4U #ForkliftTraining #ForkliftSafety #WorkplaceSafety #SafetyTraining #SupervisorTraining #WarehouseSafety #HealthAndSafety #ForkliftOperator #MaterialHandling #RTITBAccredited #HampshireBusiness
What does RTITB accredited training mean for you? ✅
It means professional forklift training delivered to recognised industry standards, helping operators develop the practical skills and knowledge needed to work safely and confidently.
When you train with FT4U, you benefit from:
✅ Training delivered to recognised standards
✅ Qualified and experienced instructors
✅ Practical skills for safer operation
✅ Operator registration through NORS
Ready to begin your training?
📞 023 8178 8893
📧 enquiries@ft4u.co.uk
🌐 www.ft4u.co.uk
Well done to Zibby & Rad on Saturday, not only did they start work at 6am but they were full of laughs too and gave me a warm welcome at wessex galvernisers having a refresher on the CB4000ET multi-directional reach truck.
Most of our instructors have trained these two over the years and they`ve always been impressed with our style of teaching.
Well done guys and thank you.
#combilift #rtitbinstructors #ft_four_u #warehousesafety #forklifttraining
Congrats to my two candidates from @lush this week, I had the pleasure of training @carmen_cormack_ and @jibbythevegan on a four day novice course learning the Aisle master, it came with challenges but they were both so patient and absorbed and applied all skills and knowledge which resulted in them both passing today.
Well done James and Carmen, stay safe and look forward to seeing you both in the future, thank you both for a fantastic week and thank you LUSH for using our services 🙏
#rtitbinstructors #rtitbtraining #warehousesafety #aislemaster #ft_four_u
Get In Touch
Shift Your Career Into Gear Today
Learn with industry experts and start your driving career with confidence.
