Thirty drivers from various companies in Nuku’alofa were awarded certificates after completing forklift training, recently, aimed to prevent accidents in workplaces.

Friendly Island Shipping Agency (FISA) partnered with Tonga Skills and brought a trainer from ASWEFA New Zealand.

Henry Myers provided theory and practical training in safety, hazards, correct loading, capacity, maintenance, stability and driving techniques.

Australian High Commissioner, HE Andrew Ford in presenting the certifcates was happy to see that employers were willing to partner with FISA  and the Australian Government funded Tonga Skills to provide this training, relevant to the local industry.

He said that all the drivers are now safer and more productive forklift drivers, with four trained to train (TOT) other forklift drivers, including those in the outer islands.

The drivers were from Pacific Sunrise Fishing, FISA, Ports Authority, CRS, Dateline Transam and Pacific Timber Hardware (PTH). All of the companies were willing to pay part-fees for their workers to take part.

FISA stated that it would continue to provide training in other Workplace Health and Safety areas and Tonga Skills would assist them to become registered with the TNQAB.