Forklift Legislation in the UK

Like any vehicle, a forklift Platform is a dangerous weapon that can be deadly in the wrong hands. Due to the fact forklifts are used in confined spaces, in close proximity to workers, who in turn are working with stock, often stacked high up in the warehouse, it’s important that there’s strict legislation in place to ensure the health and safety of workers.

The main legislation which affects owners and also users of lift trucks is the 1974 Health and Safety at Work Act.

The 1974 Health and Safety at Work Act was first published in 1974 and then became law on April 1^st 1975. The act was introduced to place an onus on employers to take steps, which are reasonable, and practicable to look after the health and safety and welfare of their employees whilst at work.

Furthermore, many years later, in 2008 the government introduced a new law of Corporate Manslaughter, which was aimed at companies, and directors of companies where someone is killed due to an accident at work. This law made it possible to punish companies and directors who have failed to take reasonable care to ensure the health and safety of their employees at work.

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations came about on 5^th December 1998. This was an update from the 1992 regulations. Under these provisions employers are required to:

• Ensure work equipment is constructed or adapted for the purpose it’s used for.
• Consider the working conditions and risks to health and safety
• Make sure the work equipment is used only for those operations and under conditions for which it is suitable.
• Make sure the work equipment is maintained in an efficient state.

There are more elements to this regulation which can be reviewed on the HSE website. The HSE have a diverse range of publications relating to legislation, which includes forklifts. These include:

• Safe use of work equipment provision and use of work equipment regulations 1998

• Safe use of lifting equipment, lifting operations and lifting equipment regulations 1998

• Safety in working with lift trucks

• Rider-operated lift trucks: operator training approved code of practice and guidance
• Safety in the use of pallets

• Working platforms on fork lift trucks

• Health and safety in engineering workshops

• Warehousing and storage – A guide to health and safety

• Fire safety risk assessment – factories and warehouses

• Control of diesel engine exhaust emissions

As you can appreciate, there is a huge amount of legislation and regulation surrounding forklift trucks. Further detailed information can be acquired from the HSE who produce these publications.

There are also wide ranges of consultancy businesses that can also provide insight, advice and guidance on how to ensure you as a business are operating inside the law. Legislation may be a hassle, and cost time and money to ensure you are compliant. However, legislation is there for a very valid reason – to ensure the safety of your employees whilst at work.