Forklift Refresher Training Course

Refresher Overview and Responsibilities
• Importance of refresher training
• Operator responsibilities and accountability
• Employer and employee safety duties
• Common causes of forklift incidents

Forklift Safety and Hazards
• Workplace transport risks
• Pedestrian interaction hazards
• Load instability and tipping risks
• Environmental factors (surface, lighting, space constraints)
• Common operator errors

Pre-Use Inspection and Maintenance
• Daily forklift checks
• Identifying faults and defects
• Reporting procedures
• Importance of maintenance records

Safe Forklift Operation
• Starting and stopping procedures
• Steering and manoeuvring safely
• Load handling and stability
• Operating in confined spaces
• Safe use on slopes and uneven surfaces

Load Handling and Stability
• Understanding load centres
• Safe lifting and lowering techniques
• Securing loads correctly
• Avoiding overloading
• Maintaining visibility during operation

Workplace Safety Practices
• Traffic management awareness
• Safe working distances
• Interaction with other vehicles and pedestrians
• Following site-specific safety rules

Practical Driving Assessment
• Operator driving assessment
• Manoeuvring exercises
• Load handling demonstration
• Instructor feedback and correction

Forklift Safety as an Ongoing Responsibility
• Maintaining safe operating habits
• Reporting hazards and near misses
• Continuous improvement in safety behaviour

This course is suitable for individuals who already hold forklift certification and require refresher training, including:

• Forklift Operators
• Warehouse and Logistics Personnel
• Manufacturing Staff
• Construction Workers
• Yard and Distribution Staff
• Supervisors overseeing forklift operations
• Health & Safety Personnel

Participants should have previous forklift training or certification.

Risk Reduction
Refresher training helps prevent accidents caused by complacency, poor habits, or outdated knowledge.

Legal Responsibility
Employers must ensure forklift operators remain competent and receive ongoing training where required.

Operational Safety
Consistent safe practices reduce damage to goods, equipment, and infrastructure.

Compliance
Supports organisational duties under Irish workplace health and safety legislation.

Participants will:

• Refresh knowledge of forklift safety practices
• Identify common hazards in forklift operations
• Demonstrate safe driving and manoeuvring techniques
• Understand load stability principles
• Carry out pre-use inspections
• Apply safe workplace transport practices
• Maintain compliance with safety regulations

Instructor-led training combining theory and practical assessment.

Includes:

• Safety refresher instruction
• Practical driving evaluation
• Workplace scenario discussions
• Operator feedback and improvement guidance

Delivered:

• Onsite at client premises, or

This training supports employer obligations under:

• Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005
• Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 – Part 2: Use of Work Equipment

Irish legislation requires employers to:

• Ensure work equipment is used safely
• Provide appropriate operator training
• Maintain equipment in safe condition
• Assess risks associated with workplace transport

Samson Training delivers professional safety training focused on maintaining competence and improving workplace safety standards.

Our approach emphasises:

• Practical operator assessment
• Real workplace driving scenarios
• Clear safety responsibilities
• Consistent professional instruction
• Observation-led feedback and improvement

We position refresher training as essential for maintaining safe operational performance — not just certification renewal.

Is forklift refresher training required in Ireland?
Yes. Employers must ensure operators remain competent and receive refresher training where necessary to maintain safe operation.

How often should forklift refresher training be completed?
Refresher training is typically recommended every 3–5 years, or sooner if there are safety concerns, incidents, or changes in work practices.

Does the course include a practical assessment?
Yes. Participants complete a practical driving assessment to demonstrate safe operation and competence.

Who should attend this course?
Experienced forklift operators who need to refresh their knowledge and maintain safe operating standards.

Can training be delivered onsite?
Yes. Onsite delivery allows training to reflect actual workplace equipment and operating conditions.