Posted By Mark Glynn Thomas The company I work for have a "understanding" with another company that they can use our FLT (but use their own driver) as and when they need it. I have requested training records from this company to show that their FLT driver is competent but they have refused. I have raised my concerns with the our company but it seems to be falling on deaf ears. What should I do next?

Posted By Iain W In this day and age of "No win , No fee" claims whereby people do not seem to have to be accountable for their actions, I would advise that your company have something more than an "understanding" with this other company. What if there is an incident and the other company employee is injured and / or results in property damage etc, are your company going to be so understanding when a claim flies in their direction ? Sounds a bit over the top, but beware informal agreements like this are fine until something goes wrong. Think of insurance - are the other companies employees covered by you or their insurance when driving your FLT's - probably not - will they pay out if property damage is caused by the other company employee - probably not and will your company be held responsible for any injury incurred while driving your FLT's, yes probably. I would suggest your company start listening to you and stop the other company using the FLT with immediate effect if they will not supply certification - Friendly understandings will go out of the window if and when any litigation starts. This romance has the potential to end in tears one way or another.

Posted By Sylvia Tyler An hirer of a FLT does not have to request who will be driving it and what level of training they have - perhaps if you draft a "hire" contract with a statement that the client has the responsibility to ensure that any person who operates the machine has received FLT training. But if the machine is used by the "client" and it is involved in an accident and your employer is not able to use it how much will this cost your company. I would put your concerns in writing to both your employer and the Md of the company ensuring that they are both provided with the knowledge that any user of a FLT should be qualified - but then I'm use to being unpopular 10 years in the job does that to you! Good luck Regards Sylvia