"In recent years, we have seen the HSE [Health and Safety Executive] highlight management's responsibilities and we've seen a rise in the numbers of managers, supervisors and directors prosecuted for neglect," explains Mentor director Stuart Taylor.
He points to HSE figures, which show the number of directors prosecuted under Section 37 of the Health and Safety at Work Act in the five years to 2010/11 rose by 330%, with successful convictions up from 50% of cases to 81%.
'IOSH Managing Safely: Forklift Operations' is a four-day course, developed with IOSH, and involving nine-modules that build on the existing IOSH Managing Safely course.
The course is delivered on site by instructors qualified to NEBOSH (National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health) standards and with specialist experience in forklift trucks.
Crucially, it meets the legal requirements set out in the HSE guidance document L117 (Rider-operated lift trucks. Operator training and safe use. Approved Code of Practice and Guidance), the latest edition of which placed added emphasis on the importance of supervision.
"This course has been developed to equip delegates with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to proactively manage forklift operations – not just safely and legally but more effectively, too," states Taylor.
"Through this, they will discover that good practice has important practical and financial benefits that can make a real difference to their bottom line profit."