Questions on Forklift Training and Future Frameworks

I really don't believe a crackdown on the over zealous use of hazard cones is going to help reduce risk. I want to know what if any improvements are planned for the training of operators of high risk mobile plant. Forklifts are a good one to start on because the code of practice is so outdated, as are many other good practice guidelines. As well as that, theres also the question around the potential fraudulent awarding of unit standards that needs to be addressed. Perhaps OIA requests is one way to get some answers. Heres the second of a series of OIA requests we'll be submitting. This one was sent 29 May 2025 and if we see a response by end June we'll be doing well.

Dear WorkSafe,

Thank you for your previous response dated 29 May 2025 (File Ref: 250387). I would like to request further information under the Official Information Act 1982, relating to the future development of forklift training guidance and the Approved Code of Practice (ACOP). Specifically, I am seeking information on the following:

1. Stakeholder Involvement and Legislative Change

a. Which government departments, agencies, or regulators are involved in the early-stage work referenced in your response ("Work to enable industry development of ACOPs is at an early stage and will require legislative change to implement")?

b. What private or industry organisations (e.g., ITOs, industry training providers, professional associations) have been formally consulted or engaged with to date on the potential redevelopment, replacement, or devolution of the Forklift ACOP?

c. Has any working group, steering committee, or consultation forum been established to guide this work? If so, please provide its terms of reference, membership, and meeting schedules or agendas.

2. Future of the Forklift ACOP

a. Has WorkSafe or any other agency proposed replacing the current Forklift ACOP with alternative guidance or training models? If so, please provide any briefing papers, internal memos, policy proposals, or discussion documents related to such proposals.

b. Has any assessment been made of the risks, benefits, or regulatory implications of removing the ACOP as a formal guidance document? If so, please provide relevant assessments or summaries.

3. Unit Standards, Credit Values, and Training Delivery

a. In relation to NZQA Unit Standard 10851 (with a credit value of 7), has WorkSafe or any other agency raised concerns about the alignment between credit values (e.g., 7 credits = 70 notional learning hours) and the actual delivery timeframes being used by training providers (e.g., single-day training)?

b. Is there any review underway or planned regarding the use of NZQA unit standards in forklift operator or instructor training, particularly in relation to their credit value, quality assurance, and appropriateness under a new or revised training framework?

c. In future forklift training guidance (should the ACOP be replaced), will NZQA unit standards remain a component, or is there consideration being given to omitting them in favour of competency-based frameworks not tied to the NZQF?

4. Governance and Oversight of Training Providers

a. Has WorkSafe received any complaints, audit results, or feedback regarding the consistency or adequacy of forklift training provided by approved training organisations, particularly in relation to duration, competence outcomes, or re-registration processes?

b. What role, if any, does WorkSafe currently have or plan to have in approving, auditing, or regulating forklift training providers and instructors under any proposed future guidance or framework?

Format Requested:

Where available, I would appreciate copies of any relevant documents, emails, memos, policy papers, or meeting notes related to the questions above.

Thank you for your time and assistance.

Yours sincerely,

Richard Tohu