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forced into FLT training?
bucky_legrange
Posts: 7 Forumite
Old user new name for privacy purposes.
Can my employer force me to into FLT training?
Background, work as a QC Chemist for a Pharma company. So in QC we test everything that comes onto site and everything that leaves.
We had dedicated samplers who sampled everything that needed to be tested. Recent restructuring and redundancies now mean that everyone is expected to do sampling and analysis (even the samplers who are in their 50's and have zero lab experience). A requisite of the sampling position is a fork lift license.
My boss has told us that we're going to be put forward for training, I and others object to this as we see it to be unsafe. We would be trained (2 half day sessions then a final session which would be the test) and then due to the nature of our work and shift pattern it could be weeks if not months before we had the opportunity to use a FLT.
We have raised this concern with our boss who in fairness has asked EHS about time periods of inactivity with regard remaining current.
Is there anything we can do? other than fail the test
Can my employer force me to into FLT training?
Background, work as a QC Chemist for a Pharma company. So in QC we test everything that comes onto site and everything that leaves.
We had dedicated samplers who sampled everything that needed to be tested. Recent restructuring and redundancies now mean that everyone is expected to do sampling and analysis (even the samplers who are in their 50's and have zero lab experience). A requisite of the sampling position is a fork lift license.
My boss has told us that we're going to be put forward for training, I and others object to this as we see it to be unsafe. We would be trained (2 half day sessions then a final session which would be the test) and then due to the nature of our work and shift pattern it could be weeks if not months before we had the opportunity to use a FLT.
We have raised this concern with our boss who in fairness has asked EHS about time periods of inactivity with regard remaining current.
Is there anything we can do? other than fail the test
0
Comments
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There is no requirement for refresher FLT training. It's like passing your driving test - once you are qualified, you are qualified. Some employers may send people for a refresher every few years, but there is no requirement to do so.
If you are concerned about not having an opportunity to practice after completing the course, then ask management to let you have half an hour or so to practice with some empty pallets once a month to keep your eye in. Deliberately failing the course is not going to help anyone.0 -
There is no requirement for refresher FLT training. It's like passing your driving test - once you are qualified, you are qualified. Some employers may send people for a refresher every few years, but there is no requirement to do so.
If you are concerned about not having an opportunity to practice after completing the course, then ask management to let you have half an hour or so to practice with some empty pallets once a month to keep your eye in. Deliberately failing the course is not going to help anyone.
I wish it was as simple as that. Due to the redundancies and restructuring we are massively behind. We are 150 hours down on where we should be this month alone. So 8 analysts just grabbing some time to practice on a FLT isn't going to happen also there are a finite number of them on site and it's a busy site.
It will be expected that once we are trained we will be able to use a FLT whenever we need to, even if it's a month or so after training for 20 minutes then not use it again for another month, that doesn't seem safe and isn't really comparable to driving.
My new job description states I have to sample, it doesn't state I need FLT training/license..0 -
I'd jump at the chance to get training like that. It's all valuable stuff for your CV. If the worst happens and there are more redundancies, it would be an extra string to your bow when applying for new jobs.0
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You are lucky! A FLT licence can lead to some very well paid jobs. I would love for somebody to pay for this for me.
Just do it, enjoy it, then take your time when using it.
What's the worst that can happen?Should've = Should HAVE (not 'of')
Would've = Would HAVE (not 'of')
No, I am not perfect, but yes I do judge people on their use of basic English language. If you didn't know the above, then learn it! (If English is your second language, then you are forgiven!)0 -
You are lucky! A FLT licence can lead to some very well paid jobs. I would love for somebody to pay for this for me.
Just do it, enjoy it, then take your time when using it.
What's the worst that can happen?
I could pierce a drum causing an environmental spill which could cost me my already well paid job.0 -
Which is why you are being trained! The FLT training is very practical, the theory is only a small part of it and you are given lots of time to practice in a safe environment.0
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Caroline_a wrote: »Which is why you are being trained! The FLT training is very practical, the theory is only a small part of it and you are given lots of time to practice in a safe environment.
I thought it had been established that the issue wasn't the training, it was the periods of dormancy and remaining current.
For example I get the training, 3 half day sessions over 5 days due to my shifts. I pass, hurrah, I then due to my shift pattern and scheduling of my lab work I don't use a FLT for 4-6 weeks. And when I do it's for 10 minutes to move solvents into the sampling shed or strong acids out of the rain. I then don't use it again for 4-6 weeks or more. How is that safe? where am I building up experience?0 -
It's not rocket science to learn those - and therefore there's no danger. My first bf couldn't read or write and did FL driving as a job at a fruit warehouse. So, if dense people can do it I'm sure you're capable and there's no danger.0
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PasturesNew wrote: »It's not rocket science to learn those - and therefore there's no danger. My first bf couldn't read or write and did FL driving as a job at a fruit warehouse. So, if dense people can do it I'm sure you're capable and there's no danger.
Read the thread properly, it's not a valid comparison.
His job was driving FLT's all the time, mine isn't
It's not rocket science...0 -
bucky_legrange wrote: ». . . everyone is expected to do sampling and analysis (even the samplers who are in their 50's and have zero lab experience).
1 What has age got to do with this?
2 Are you more concerned about the safety of infrequent practice or the status of the actual activity?0
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