Businesses still unclear on new forklift training rules
Aprolis Training Solutions, the training division of Aprolis UK, says many organisations are still unclear on the updated guidance introduced in January around the grouping of workplace transport equipment used in operator training.
DESPITE THE framework now being fully in effect, the company says it continues to receive a high number of enquiries from businesses unsure how the changes affect them.
The updated framework, referred to as the Workplace Transport Groupings, sets out how materials handling equipment such as reach trucks, order pickers, counterbalance forklifts and other specialist machinery should be grouped for operator training, certification and risk assessment.
Their aim is to provide a clearer, more consistent approach that better reflects how equipment is used in modern warehouse and logistics environments.
For businesses operating mixed fleets or specialist equipment, the updates are particularly important, as they may affect how training is evidenced and interpreted during audits, compliance checks and insurance reviews.
Industry bodies have previously confirmed that completed training will still be recognised, particularly for refresher purposes. However, Aprolis Training Solutions stresses that employers remain responsible for ensuring training is appropriate and accurately recorded under the updated framework.
If training records do not correctly reflect the equipment being used, businesses may face increased safety risks, compliance concerns, insurance complications and potential challenges during audits or inspections.
According to Jason Howard, training solutions manager at Aprolis Training Solutions, the changes represent one of the most significant updates to workplace transport training standards in recent years, as they reshape how common types of materials handling equipment are grouped for training and assessment.
Jason said: “This is the biggest shift we’ve seen in workplace transport training for several years, but it’s a necessary one.
“Over time, older equipment categories became less clear, particularly where machinery capabilities overlapped or newer technology no longer fitted existing classifications.
“The updated framework simplifies equipment categories, removes overlap, and creates a clearer system that better reflects how machinery is used in today’s warehouses, logistics and distribution centres.
“Even now, we’re still receiving a significant number of questions from businesses about the changes. We recommend organisations take a structured approach to reviewing their training provision. This includes checking how equipment is categorised, ensuring training records match the machines used on site, and making sure managers and instructors fully understand the updated framework.
“It’s also important to identify where operators may need additional familiarisation or conversion training, particularly where they are working across different types of equipment or mixed fleets.”
From January 2026, training delivered or recorded under the old categorisation system no longer meets updated expectations.
Even if training has been completed, it may not be considered valid if it is incorrectly categorised.
Jason added: “Businesses that review and update their training now will be in a much stronger position later in the year and will also demonstrate a proactive approach to safety and compliance.
“But to bring that to fruition it’s vital for businesses to take the time now to fully understand what the updates mean for their operations, rather than treating them as a simple administrative change.”
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