UNITED KINGDOM / AGILITYPR.NEWS / November 05, 2026 / Replacing a worn pallet truck may seem like a simple purchase, but warehouse managers should consider whether any extra training is needed to use the new equipment. Pallet Truck Shop, the largest pallet and sack truck supplier in the UK, is urging businesses to think about the training their operators need when bringing in new material handling items.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) advises that manual handling training should be specific to the work being done, including the safe use of mechanical aids. When equipment or handling methods change, training should be reviewed to make sure it is still relevant.

That means looking at how the new equipment will be used. If the controls differ from what operators are used to, that can cause problems.

Phil Chesworth, Managing Director at Pallet Truck Shop, said, “It’s easy to focus on cost, load capacity and delivery time when buying handling equipment and forget about the training. Even a small change can affect how an operator handles a load, manoeuvres in an aisle or works around other people.”

How much training is needed depends on what has changed. Replacing a manual pallet truck, stacker or table truck with something similar may not seem like much, but different specifications bring their own considerations.

Chesworth added, “You don’t necessarily need a huge amount of training when replacing equipment. High quality, simple equipment with easy-to-use controls can help. Just check what has changed and make sure people are confident with it.”

A review can also show problems that extra training can’t solve. Having to push too much, forks that are the wrong size or a truck that isn’t suitable for the loads can all suggest the wrong equipment is being used.

“You can’t train staff to use the wrong equipment,” Chesworth said. “If they are struggling to move loads or constantly working around an unsuitable truck, look at the task and the equipment together. Getting the equipment right from the outset can make safe working practices easier to keep up.”

To find out more about Pallet Truck Shop, visit: www.pallettruckshop.co.uk.