Whether you’re interested in working within the haulage industry or you’re just looking to take up a new job opportunity as a forklift driver, you may be confused about the requirements needed. In this article we discuss the necessary requirements to become a forklift driver as well as the additional qualifications and skills that will help you get noticed and increase your chances of getting employed.
Necessary Requirements
License – A driving license isn’t required to drive a
forklift truck nor do you need a ‘forklift licence’. Acquiring additional training however will stand you in good stead when applying for a
forklift driver role. It will also improve onsite safety standards and your confidence as a driver.
Health – As a
forklift driver you will be in charge of operating a heavy piece of machinery safely, therefore you will need to meet the same standards of health as required for a full UK driving licence. Some employers may ask you to undertake a health and fitness screening before deeming you fit to drive.
Basic Health Requirements
As a
forklift operator you will need to meet certain standards of agility which allows full movement of the neck, torso and limbs. If you are an experienced forklift driver and have lost a limb you may be re-employed after successful retraining.
Eyesight
Excellent eyesight is not essential for
forklift operation but effective use of both eyes is typically required. However, people with monocular vision may be permitted to operate a forklift as long as they can meet basic standards of practice. If you are short sighted and require a prescription to correct your distance vision, you must wear your glasses or contact lenses at all times while operating the forklift.
Hearing
Good hearing is a bonus but not a requirement of
forklift operation. If you are hard of hearing and require the use of a hearing aid this is not likely to affect your performance however your employer should conduct a risk assessment to determine whether or not you can safely operate the forklift with limited hearing. You may also be required to consult your doctor before applying for a
forklift driving role. As long as your hearing ability does not constitute as a hazard, you should be permitted to drive the forklift.
Other Medical Conditions and Disabilities
Epilepsy
The requirements for driving a
forklift truck as a person with epilepsy are the same as those for holding a standard driving licence. This means that if you are eligible for a UK driving licence then you should be permitted to drive a
forklift.
High Blood Pressure
During medical screening, if you are found to have high blood pressure your employer should not permit you to use a forklift. Once your blood pressure is confirmed to be well controlled by a doctor, you should be allowed to drive again.
Disabilities
In accordance with the disability discrimination act 1995 and the equality act 2010, employers must assess your ability to safely operate and drive a fork lift as an individual, not based on your disability alone. Many disabled people have developed compensatory skills which allow the person to handle equipment and machinery safely. Your employer will need to consider your ability to operate and drive the truck safely and your competence in an emergency. Should you need it, your employer should also make reasonable adjustments to the truck and your working environment to so that you can handle and drive the truck safely.
Good Coordination and Dexterity
Operating a forklift requires good coordination and fine motor skills; some experience playing sports, playing an instrument or practicing artistic activities is worthwhile noting in your job application if you want to get noticed.
Age Requirements
The HSE (health and safety executive) states that to drive a forklift you will need to be at least minimum leaving school age (16). Many employers however will not employ people under the age of 18 due to age-related limitations in the workplace.
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