The ABA (Accrediting Bodies Association for Workplace Transport), an established accrediting body founded to set and uphold standards in workplace transport training, has announced important changes to machine groupings that will take effect from 19 January 2026. As part of the ABA’s ongoing commitment to maintaining high safety standards through its accrediting bodies scheme, these updates will impact several categories, removing weight restrictions, merging categories, and introducing new classifications. ABA accreditation is widely recognised as a mark of quality, reflecting the ABA’s long-standing dedication to safety and competence in the industry. Below is a breakdown of the changes you need to be aware of.
The D2 category will merge into D1, meaning there will now be no height restriction on D1 Reach Trucks.
For businesses and operators, this streamlines reach truck training and reduces confusion around category selection.
Operators must complete basic training to establish core competencies before advancing to more specialized reach truck training. Regular practice is essential to reinforce the skills learned during reach truck training.
The Combi WR4 will move to its own category within the M groupings, becoming the M4 category.
Operators will now benefit from dedicated Combi forklift training pathways.
Operators who complete the new M4 category training will receive certification, ensuring they are properly trained for the equipment.
The J category has undergone a series of changes to simplify classifications and remove outdated restrictions:
These changes will have a significant impact on workplace transport training for telehandlers. Training organisations will need to update their programs to reflect the new telehandler categories, ensuring that workplace transport training remains aligned with current industry standards and regulatory requirements. This will help ensure clearer telehandler training pathways and reduce confusion around classifications, supporting both operators and instructors.
LLOPs currently in the A2 category will be moved into a new E0 category.
This ensures greater clarity for operators undertaking LLOP forklift training.
Industrial truck trainers will play a key role in delivering updated LLOP training under the new E0 category.
H1 and H2 will now have their weight restrictions removed.
As a result, the H3 category will be removed entirely.
This will simplify Tow Tractor & Trailer training and make category requirements more straightforward for candidates. It is essential that experienced instructors deliver this training, especially with the updated categories, to ensure high standards and effective learning.
After much deliberation, the Crown Wave will now have its own dedicated category, known as SP1.
This decision recognises the unique handling requirements of Crown Wave machines.
Operators will need to develop specific skills to safely and effectively operate the Crown Wave in the new SP1 category, focusing on skill acquisition and incremental improvements through proper training and practice.
As the workplace transport industry evolves, the Accrediting Bodies Association (ABA) for Workplace Transport remains at the forefront of setting and maintaining high standards for operator training and accreditation. The ABA regularly reviews and updates its accreditation categories to reflect the latest advancements in workplace transport equipment and technology. This proactive approach ensures that training providers and accredited training providers are equipped to deliver relevant, up-to-date instruction that meets the needs of modern workplaces and complies with current health and safety regulations.
When new categories—such as those for emerging technologies or specialized equipment—are introduced, the ABA’s independent training standards scheme requires training providers to undergo a rigorous assessment process. This process evaluates the quality of training programs, the expertise of instructors, and the effectiveness of assessment methods. Only those training providers who meet the ABA’s stringent criteria are granted accredited training status, ensuring that operators receive instruction that aligns with the highest standards of safety and competence.
For employers, it is crucial that they select training organisations that are ABA-accredited. This provides confidence in the quality of the training, which not only helps reduce workplace transport injuries but also supports organisations in meeting their legal obligations. By continually refining its categories, the ABA enhances the skills of lift truck operators and promotes a safer working environment. Our ABA services are designed to help you navigate these changes effectively.
Maintaining high standards of safety and competence in the workplace transport industry requires more than just initial training—it demands ongoing assessment and evaluation of operator performance. The Accrediting Bodies Association (ABA) for Workplace Transport emphasizes the importance of continuous monitoring to ensure that operators retain the skills and knowledge necessary for safe and efficient operation. We can provide details on how this is achieved through our programmes.
Accredited training providers are expected to implement regular practical assessments, observations, and written evaluations as part of their operator training programs. These assessments are designed to align with national standards and safety regulations, providing a consistent framework for evaluating operator competence. By systematically reviewing operator performance, training providers can identify areas where additional training or refresher courses may be needed, helping to prevent workplace transport incidents before they occur.
The ABA also encourages the use of applied behaviour analysis (ABA) techniques within operator training and assessment. By focusing on specific behaviours and skills, these techniques help training providers target and reinforce safe practices, while addressing any unsafe behaviours that may arise. This behaviour analysis approach not only improves individual operator performance but also contributes to a safer workplace environment overall.
Through its commitment to ongoing assessment and the application of ABA techniques, the Accrediting Bodies Association ensures that operators, employers, and training providers work together to uphold the highest standards of safety and compliance in the workplace transport industry. This continuous improvement process is essential for reducing incidents, maintaining compliance with safety regulations, and ensuring that the skills and practices of operators remain current and effective.
These updates have been introduced to make ABA groupings simpler, clearer, and better aligned with modern equipment. It is essential for both operators and instructors to understand the new category structure and its implications for training and assessment. Understanding how behaviour occurs during training sessions and assessments helps instructors deliver more effective instruction. Adapting to these changes often involves changing behaviour to meet new standards and practices. Workplace transport ABA is recognized as the industry standard for accreditation and training, and ABA ensures high standards and compliance through its updated categories. For operators, it means training will now be streamlined, with fewer restrictions across categories. For instructors, it reduces complexity when delivering courses and assessments.
At HL Training Services, we will ensure all our forklift instructor training, operator training, and course materials are fully aligned with the new ABA standards well ahead of January 2026.
For further information on how these changes may affect your training needs, contact our team today: Email: [email protected] | Call: 0117 952 5625
Stay connected with HL Training Services for more updates and guidance on ABA forklift training categories, instructor training, and workplace transport safety.