From 19 January 2026, the biggest changes to workplace transport training in recent years came into effect across the UK. Introduced by the Accrediting Bodies Association for Workplace Transport (ABA) with support from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the revised workplace transport groupings are designed to better reflect modern equipment, improve consistency across accredited training providers and strengthen operator competence. While many of the category changes may appear minor at first glance, they have significant implications for employers operating forklifts, reach trucks, order pickers, telehandlers and other material handling equipment.
If your business relies on workplace transport, understanding these changes is essential to maintaining compliance, reducing risk and ensuring operators are trained for the equipment they actually use.
Workplace transport remains one of the leading causes of serious injuries and fatalities in UK workplaces. Forklift trucks, telehandlers, tow tractors and similar vehicles operate in busy environments where pedestrians, vehicles and machinery often interact.
Over time, equipment has evolved, but many of the training categories had not kept pace.
The ABA review introduces clearer equipment classifications, removes outdated categories and better reflects how modern machines are used across warehouses, distribution centres, construction sites, ports and industrial facilities. The aim is to improve consistency between accredited training providers while helping employers ensure operators receive the correct training for the equipment they use.
The updated workplace transport groupings include several important revisions.
The previous D1 and D2 categories have now been merged into a single D1 category.
Although the category structure has been simplified, employers must still ensure operators are trained and assessed on the actual lifting height and machine configuration they will use in the workplace. Training records should clearly reflect the equipment used during assessment.
Low Level Order Pickers have moved from the previous A2 category into a new dedicated E0 category. This recognises the growing use of these machines within logistics and warehousing and provides a clearer training pathway for operators.
The H3 category has been removed, simplifying the Tow Tractor classification while removing previous weight restrictions within the remaining categories.
The J Group has been restructured to create clearer distinctions between rough terrain forklifts, telescopic handlers and articulated machines. For employers operating across construction, agriculture and infrastructure, this means reviewing operator competence against the revised categories rather than assuming existing certification automatically covers all equipment.
Several new classifications have also been introduced, including:
Vertical Stock Pickers (SP1)
Pedestrian Multi-Directional Stacker Trucks (M4)
These additions reflect equipment that has become increasingly common across modern warehouses and industrial operations.
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The biggest change is not simply the new category names. The revised standards place greater emphasis on ensuring operators are competent for the exact type of machine they are expected to use. Historically, some organisations assumed that if an operator held a forklift certificate, they could safely operate similar equipment with little additional training.
That assumption is no longer appropriate.
Moving between different truck types, different control systems or significantly different operating characteristics may require conversion training, followed by specific familiarisation training in the workplace before an operator can be considered competent.
One of the most common misconceptions is that holding a training certificate alone satisfies an employer's legal duties.
It does not.
Under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER), employers must ensure anyone using work equipment has received adequate training and remains competent for the tasks they perform.
Competence includes:
Appropriate basic operator training
Conversion training where required
Familiarisation training on the specific machine and workplace
Ongoing supervision where appropriate
Refresher training when competence may have declined
Employers remain responsible for ensuring operators can work safely, regardless of when their original training took place.
The introduction of the new workplace transport groupings provides a good opportunity to review existing training arrangements.
Businesses should:
Audit all workplace transport equipment currently in use.
Compare existing operator certifications with the revised ABA categories.
Identify where conversion or familiarisation training may be required.
Review training records to ensure they accurately reflect the equipment operators use.
Work with an accredited workplace transport training provider to maintain compliance and competence.
Taking these steps now can help reduce operational risk while demonstrating due diligence should an incident occur.
Effective workplace transport training is not simply about passing an assessment.
Well-trained operators are more confident, make better decisions, reduce equipment damage, minimise downtime and contribute to a stronger safety culture.
For employers, investing in high-quality workplace transport training also helps improve productivity, reduce insurance risks and support compliance with health and safety legislation.
Ultimately, competence protects people, operations and business reputation.
Circle Academy works with businesses across warehousing, logistics, manufacturing, construction and industrial sectors to deliver accredited workplace transport training tailored to operational requirements.
Whether you need training for a single operator or an entire workforce, we can help you:
Understand the 2026 ABA changes
Review current operator competence
Deliver new operator, conversion and refresher training
Maintain compliant training records
Build a long-term workplace transport training programme
Our practical approach helps organisations improve safety while supporting operational performance.
If you're unsure whether the 2026 changes affect your organisation, now is the ideal time to review your workplace transport training programme.
Our team can help you understand the new requirements, identify any gaps and recommend the most appropriate training for your operators.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, guidance and legislation may change. Employers should refer to the latest HSE and ABA guidance and seek professional advice where appropriate. Circle Academy, part of Circle UK Group, accepts no liability for decisions made based solely on the information contained in this article.
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