Mobile work equipment: legislation and training requirements
The use of mobile work equipment entails significant safety risks. These include collisions, overturning, falling loads, or improper use. For this reason, Belgian law imposes clear and enforceable obligations on employers and users.
These obligations are set forth in the Codex on Well-being at Work, specifically Book IV – Work Equipment.
At Heli Safety Academy, we translate these legal requirements into practical and accredited training programs, ensuring that your employees work safely and your organization remains legally compliant.
What are mobile work equipment?
The law defines mobile work equipment as any work equipment that moves or can be moved during use. Examples include:
- forklifts
- reach trucks
- pallet trucks (electric)
- telehandlers
- mini cranes
- other self-propelled or mobile machines
👉 The Codex applies as soon as a piece of equipment is used in a hazardous work environment.
What does the Codex say about mobile work equipment?
According to Codex Book IV – Work Equipment, the employer must:
- use only appropriate and safe work equipment
- take the work environment into account
- ensure proper maintenance and inspection
- train and instruct employees
The Codex explicitly states that work equipment may only be used by persons who have received adequate training.
👉 Training is therefore not a recommendation, but a legal requirement.
Risk analysis as a basis
A risk assessment must be conducted for each piece of mobile equipment, taking into account, among other things:
- type of equipment
- nature of the loads
- traffic flow in the work area
- presence of pedestrians
- operator’s experience and competence
The results of this analysis will determine which program is required.
Driver training and qualifications
The employer must be able to demonstrate that the driver:
- can safely operate the equipment
- is aware of and manages the risks
- knows how to respond in the event of an incident
- complies with applicable safety regulations
This applies to:
- start of employment
- use of new equipment
- change in duties
- change in working conditions
Without documented training, the use of mobile work equipment does not comply with the Codex.
Which educational programs are legally recognized?
Heli Safety Academy offers training courses that directly meet legal requirements:
- Forklift – Safe and Proper Use
- Reach truck – working in warehouse and storage environments
- Telehandler – combined lifting and moving
- Mini crane – safe lifting operations on the construction site
- Basic safety – general safety principles
- VCA Basic & VCA VOL – safety in high-risk environments
Upon completion, participants will receive a certificate serving as proof of competence.
Inspection, Accidents, and Liability
During an inspection or in the event of a workplace accident, the following is checked:
- a risk assessment is in place
- the work equipment is suitable and has been inspected
- the operator has received verifiable training
If any of these elements is missing, this can lead to:
- penalties or fines
- increased employer liability
- problems with insurance or claims settlement
✅ Proper training reduces risks and provides your organization with legal protection.
Our Approach at Heli Safety Academy
We help organizations by:
- clearly explain legal obligations
- tailor training programs to specific work equipment
- provide evidence through certificates and records
This way, you can be sure that the use of mobile work equipment:
- is done safely
- is legally compliant
- can be justified during an inspection or audit
👉 Want to know which training course for mobile work equipment is required in your situation? Check out our trainings or contact us for personalized advice.