The Accrediting Bodies Association for Workplace Transport (ABA) has announced new national standards for training and testing powered pedestrian truck operators as part of the bodies continued efforts to improve safety and reduce lift truck accidents in the workplace. 

The new standards for Powered Pedestrian Truck operators were originally announced in October 2018, following a meeting with industry representatives including the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), truck manufacturers, lift truck operator employers, trade unions, and industry bodies such as the Fork Lift Truck Association.

The new powered pedestrian truck standards will be released in June 2019, and will take full effect in December 2019. The standards

Announcing the new standards, recently elected ABA Chairman Adam Smith — who is the current Managing Director of accrediting body AITT — said: “This is a very significant development in an area of training that is often overlooked by employers. The new standards will help ensure operators work efficiently and safely.”

In addition to the above, Adam also said “We strive to keep all testing standards up to date with modern environments,” said Adam. “These latest updates reflect changing work practices and address new requirements.”

Those involved in the training, testing and management of pedestrian truck operators will be able to download the new national testing standards for free from the ABA website, as part of the ABA’s commitment to improving safety in the material handling equipment industry.