CPCS cards' role in reducing forklift truck accidents

An increasing number of forklift truck operators working on UK construction sites are required to carry a CPCS (Construction Plant Competency Scheme) forklift-operating card. Ultimately, the card benefits both employers and employees by helping reduce the forklift truck accident risk.

CPCS certification schemes exist for the majority of plants currently operating on British building sites. Qualification for the card demands forklift operators prove both their professional competence and health and safety awareness. These twin requirements are viewed as the best way of minimising the number of forklift truck accidents in the UK.

All three of the Major Contractors Group, the National Contractors Federation and the National House-Building Council require a CPCS card of their plant operators, which helps explain why around 150,000 UK workers currently have one in their wallets. The CPCS themselves refer to the card as the "main standard" for plant and forklift operators. Although initially designed as a form of accreditation specifically for workers within construction, the card's success has led it to being adopted by other sectors of UK industry.

In many ways, the CPCS itself is a collaborative scheme, with its managerial and directive input coming from trade union figures, employers, federations and training specialists.

Lack of CPCS participation on certain UK construction sites may have the effect of not only increasing the likelihood of accident and injury but of also making an employer liable for any resulting forklift accident compensation claim.

No win, no fee lawyers who specialise in construction accident law
Forklift trucks weigh several tonnes and, when combined with unsafe working practices or negligent management, have the potential to cause very serious injury, and often death.

All employers whose businesses use forklifts have an absolute obligation to protect both their own workers and any other person who, even once, falls within the vicinity of the forklift operating environment.

Unfortunately, such accidents are still unacceptably common. The no win, no fee solicitors on our panel are committed to ensuring that when they do happen that, firstly, the victims receive the compensation they deserve and, secondly, those responsible are held financially accountable for the pain, suffering, expenses and loss of earnings caused.

All the solicitors on our panel are governed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, something we understand as a declaration of our duty to the very highest professional standards.

Furthermore, our forklift claim representation is always completely cost-free. Win or lose, you will never have to pay a penny in fees, costs or disbursements to either us or the opposing legal side.

We also deliver a 100 percent compensation promise, meaning no cuts will ever be taken from the award of a winning claimant.

To begin your forklift truck accident claim with us, or simply receive some no-obligation free legal advice, fill out an online claim form, have an echat or phone us, now, on 0800 10 757 95.