Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Telehandler Driver

🎯 Role Definition

A Telehandler Driver, also known as a Telescopic Handler Operator or Plant Operator, is a critical skilled trades professional responsible for the safe and efficient movement of materials on a worksite. At the heart of this role is the operation of a telehandler—a versatile machine used to lift, move, and place loads from ground level to height. This position is the backbone of site logistics, ensuring that materials are delivered to the right place at the right time, allowing other trades to maintain productivity and keep the project on schedule. The role demands a high degree of spatial awareness, a deep commitment to safety protocols, and the ability to work collaboratively within a dynamic construction or industrial environment.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

General Construction Laborer / Groundworker
Forklift Operator (Counterbalance/Reach)
Slinger / Signaller or Banksman

Advancement To:

Lead Plant Operator / Machine Foreman
Site Supervisor / Foreman
Lifting Supervisor or Appointed Person (with further training)

Lateral Moves:

360 Excavator Operator
Dumper/Dozer Driver
Mobile Crane Operator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Operate the telescopic handler in a safe, controlled, and efficient manner, adhering strictly to the manufacturer's guidelines and site-specific lifting plans.
Perform comprehensive daily pre-start and end-of-shift functional checks on the machine, meticulously inspecting tires, fluid levels, hydraulics, lights, and safety devices, reporting any defects immediately.
Precisely load and unload materials from delivery vehicles, ensuring that loads are stable, secure, and handled without causing damage to the goods or vehicle.
Distribute a wide range of building materials, including pallets of bricks, blocks, mortar tubs, timber packs, and roofing materials, to various locations and heights across the site.
Service the needs of multiple tradespeople (e.g., bricklayers, roofers, scaffolders) by delivering materials directly to their work areas, often at significant height on scaffolding or building structures.
Interpret and respond accurately to hand signals and verbal commands from qualified Slinger/Signallers and Banksmen to ensure the safe and precise placement of loads.
Assess ground conditions and the surrounding environment before setting up for a lift, ensuring the machine is positioned on stable, level ground and clear of overhead obstructions or hazards.
Understand and apply the information provided in the machine’s load charts, ensuring that no lift exceeds the telehandler's safe working load (SWL) for the given reach and angle.
Manage the primary site storage compound, organizing materials in a logical and safe manner to maintain access and facilitate efficient loading operations.
Ensure the telehandler and its various attachments (forks, buckets, jibs) are kept clean, well-maintained, and securely stored when not in use.
Maintain a clear and open line of communication with the site management team, providing updates on material stock levels and logistical challenges.
Actively participate in daily briefings and tool-box talks, contributing to a site-wide culture of safety awareness and best practice.
Secure the machine safely at the end of the working day, ensuring it is parked in a designated area, isolated, and protected from unauthorized use.
Work collaboratively with other plant operators and site personnel to coordinate vehicle and machinery movements, minimizing congestion and risk.
Maneuver the telehandler through tight and congested areas on a busy construction site, demonstrating exceptional spatial awareness and machine control.
Change and correctly fit various attachments as required by the task, ensuring all locking mechanisms are properly engaged and function-tested.
Adhere to all Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) regulations, including wearing the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times.
Assist in creating and maintaining clear and safe access routes for both machinery and pedestrians throughout the site.
Maintain an accurate logbook or daily record sheet of machine hours, tasks performed, and any maintenance or safety issues encountered.
Provide support during the setup and dismantling of site infrastructure, using the telehandler to move cabins, fencing, and other temporary works elements.

Secondary Functions

When the telehandler is not in operation, provide assistance with general laboring and ground-working duties as directed by the site manager to support the overall project.
Act as a Banksman or Slinger/Signaller for other plant operations on-site, provided the correct training and certification are held.
Take responsibility for general site housekeeping, ensuring that the compound, storage areas, and access routes are kept clear, tidy, and free from hazards.
Assist with controlling site traffic and deliveries, guiding vehicles to the correct drop-off points and ensuring safe movement within the site boundaries.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Possession of a valid and in-date CPCS (A17) or NPORS (N010) card for operating Telescopic Handlers is non-negotiable.
A full, clean UK driving license is often required, particularly for roles that involve driving on public roads between sites.
Proven experience operating a range of telehandler models (e.g., JCB, Manitou, Merlo) and sizes, from compact to heavy-lift rotational machines.
Proficiency in conducting thorough pre-use inspections and routine 'first parade' maintenance checks to ensure machine safety and reliability.
In-depth knowledge of lifting principles, including the ability to read and understand complex load charts and lifting plans.
Competence in correctly fitting, securing, and using a variety of attachments, such as extension jibs, buckets, and man baskets (with appropriate training).
A solid understanding of health and safety legislation relevant to plant operations, such as LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) and PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations).
Skill in interpreting and correctly responding to the standardized hand signals used in lifting operations.
Ability to perform basic refueling and replenishment of machine fluids (e.g., oil, coolant, hydraulic fluid) safely.
Practical knowledge of how to assess ground conditions to ensure machine stability during operation.

Soft Skills

Unwavering commitment to health and safety, demonstrating a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating potential hazards.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, essential for coordinating effectively with site managers, banksmen, and other trades.
Strong spatial awareness and hand-eye coordination for precise and safe maneuvering of the machine and its load.
A calm and methodical approach to problem-solving, especially when faced with challenging lifts or unexpected site conditions.
Reliability and excellent time management, ensuring you are ready to start work on time and can manage tasks efficiently throughout the day.
The ability to work effectively as part of a larger team, understanding that your role is integral to the success of others.
A flexible and adaptable attitude, willing to assist with other site duties during periods of downtime.
High level of concentration and focus, particularly when operating for extended periods or in complex environments.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma, GCSEs, or equivalent. The primary requirement is the vocational certification (CPCS/NPORS).

Preferred Education:

NVQ Level 2 in Plant Operations or a related vocational qualification.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Plant and Machinery Maintenance
Construction Operations

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

A minimum of 2-3 years of proven experience operating a telehandler on active construction sites is typically expected.

Preferred:

Experience on large-scale, fast-paced commercial or residential construction projects. Experience with both forks and bucket attachments is highly desirable.