Forklift Refresher Courses: How Often Do Operators Need Them?

Introduction

Forklift refresher training is more than a box-ticking exercise. Skills fade, habits slip, and workplace safety depends on operators staying sharp. UK law requires employers to ensure ongoing competence, making refresher courses essential for both compliance and safety.

What Is a Forklift Refresher Course?

A forklift refresher course is designed to update and re-test operators who already hold a forklift licence. Unlike novice training, which teaches from scratch, or experienced operator training, which builds on limited use, a refresher focuses on correcting bad habits and re-validating knowledge.

Typically, an FLT refresher course lasts one day. It blends short classroom sessions with practical checks and manoeuvring. At the end, operators are reassessed to confirm they still meet accrediting body standards, such as Brittop or ITSSAR.

Why Are Forklift Refresher Courses Important?

Forklifts are powerful machines, and even small mistakes can cause accidents. Refresher training reduces risks by keeping operators alert to safety rules and proper handling. It ensures everyone uses the same safe methods, cutting down on damage to stock, racking, or trucks.

Refresher courses also protect businesses legally. The HSE states that training must be renewed to maintain competence, and accrediting bodies expect regular updates. Without them, insurance claims may be denied after an accident, and employers could face heavy fines.

Confidence is another big factor. Operators who feel unsure often slow down or take shortcuts. A forklift driver refresher course restores confidence, leading to smoother, more productive operations. In short, refresher training prevents downtime, saves money, and keeps teams safe.

How Often Do Operators Need a Refresher?

HSE guidance suggests refresher training every 3–5 years. This timeframe keeps skills current without overloading staff. However, some situations call for earlier refreshers.

• Accidents or near misses – If an operator is involved, it’s a clear sign skills need updating.

• Switching truck types – Moving from counterbalance to reach or telehandler requires re-training.

• Long breaks in driving – Seasonal or agency workers may forget procedures.

• Bad habits creeping in – Skipping daily checks or unsafe stacking should trigger refresher training.

Ultimately, it’s the employer’s duty to set a schedule that suits their workplace. Think of it like a car MOT: you wouldn’t risk waiting until something goes wrong.

Who Needs a Forklift Refresher Course?

Not all operators need refreshers at the same time, but many fall into clear categories:

• Experienced drivers showing skill fade – Hesitant manoeuvres or careless handling.

• Supervisors or managers who occasionally drive – They need to stay up to standard too.

• Agency or seasonal staff – Especially if they haven’t driven regularly.

• Teams adapting to new equipment or layouts – A new warehouse design can change safe routes.

  
  

Signs That Your Staff Need Refresher Training

Spotting issues early prevents costly accidents. Key warning signs include:

• A rise in accidents or near misses.

• Operators ignoring safe procedures, such as reversing slowly.

• Damage to pallets, racking, or the forklift itself.

• Staff lacking confidence or repeatedly asking the same questions.

• An HSE inspection or insurance review highlighting training gaps.

These are red flags no business can afford to ignore.

What Does a Refresher Course Cover?

A forklift refresher training course is compact but thorough. It usually includes:

• Classroom theory – Legislation updates, site rules, and accident prevention.

• Practical assessments – Daily checks, safe manoeuvring, stacking and de-stacking.

• Correcting bad habits – Identifying unsafe short-cuts and replacing them with safe practices.

• Re-testing – To renew forklift certificates and prove ongoing competence.

This structure ensures every operator leaves capable and compliant.

Benefits of Regular Refresher Training for Employers

The advantages go far beyond ticking HSE boxes:

• Compliance – Accredited by Brittop, RTITB, or ITSSAR, refresher training keeps you inspection-ready.

• Reduced costs – Fewer accidents mean lower insurance premiums and less equipment damage.

• Higher efficiency and morale – Confident operators work faster and safer.

• Consistency – Across multiple teams and sites, refresher training ensures everyone follows the same safe standards.

Regular training is like tuning an engine – it keeps everything running smoothly.

How to Arrange a Forklift Refresher Course

Booking a refresher is straightforward. Training can be delivered on-site, reducing downtime, or at a training centre. Courses can be run for individuals or groups, with group bookings offering significant savings.

Always check that the provider is accredited (Brittop, ITSSAR, or RTITB) to guarantee compliance. Combining refresher courses with other training, like manual handling or fire safety, can also reduce costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a forklift refresher course take?

Usually one working day, depending on group size.

Is refresher training legally required in the UK?

Yes. The HSE requires employers to maintain operator competence through refresher training.

What happens if an operator fails a refresher?

They may need extra training before re-testing. Employers cannot allow them to drive until they pass.

Can refresher courses cover multiple truck types?

Yes, but time may increase if several types are covered, such as counterbalance and reach.

Do agency or temporary workers need refreshers?

Yes. All operators, regardless of contract, must prove competence.

How much does a forklift refresher course cost?

Prices vary, but group bookings offer the best value.

How often should refresher training be done for reach, counterbalance, and telehandlers?HSE guidance remains every 3–5 years, or sooner if risks suggest.

Conclusion

Refresher training is not an optional extra – it’s vital for compliance, safety, and efficiency. By keeping operators up to date, businesses protect their staff, avoid fines, and reduce costly downtime.

Book your Brittop-accredited forklift refresher training today with Great Forklift Training. Save on group bookings and keep your team compliant and safe.