Forklift drivers can have years of experience and still need a proper introduction to your site. Familiarity with the truck is not the same as familiarity with the role or the requirements.
For specialist warehouse recruitment, these are practical safety points worth discussing with candidates:
• The importance of not skipping pre-use checks or failing to report defects before operating
• Travelling with the load raised, which affects stability
• Moving with an obstructed view rather than following the safe procedure for the route and load
• Turning too quickly or overlooking pedestrians at blind corners
• Assuming experience on one truck type means competence on another
Hiring managers should establish the candidate’s relevant truck experience and training. It’s really important to assess competence for the equipment and task, explain site rules and authorise operation.
A training certificate matters and regular training is very important, but it cannot tell you whether someone understands your loading bays, pedestrian routes or reporting procedures.
It’s critical to match the operator to the actual assignment, not just matching a certificate to a vacancy!
For more information about our latest forklift vacancies, or to find out how Flexistaff can support your business, contact us on 0844 556 2916 or office@flexistaffuk.com.