The Accrediting Body Association (ABA) is proud to announce the successful completion of a thorough and rigorous review of the ABA Workplace Transport Groupings. This significant milestone follows months of careful analysis and consultation, incorporating invaluable feedback from training providers, industry professionals, and key stakeholders. As we look ahead to early 2026, the updated Workplace Transport Groupings will be rolled out, marking a major advancement in our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety within the workplace transport sector.
The Need for a Comprehensive Review
The review of the ABA Workplace Transport Groupings was initiated to ensure that the groupings continue to meet the evolving needs of the industry, training providers, and operators. MHE use is a critical element of day-to-day operations in many sectors, and the need for precise and clear categorisation of machine types is paramount.
Over the course of the review, the ABA sought feedback which was received from a variety of stakeholders and has been crucial in shaping the final outcome, confirming that the revised groupings are both practical and forward-thinking.
Key Industry Feedback and Insights
The review process was extensive, with valuable input from training providers, industry experts, and stakeholders from the sector. The feedback gathered was overwhelmingly positive, indicating strong support for the changes being made to the Workplace Transport Groupings.
In addition to feedback from training providers, the ABA also held a summit in 2024 where these changes were discussed in depth. The summit provided a platform for open dialogue and allowed stakeholders to voice their opinions, ensuring that the review reflected a broad consensus across the industry. The support for the updated groupings was reinforced by the positive responses received from summit participants, which further validated the direction we have taken.
Support from Key Industry Bodies
This review has not only been supported by the wider industry but has also received backing from key regulatory bodies, including the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the UK Material Handling Association (UKMHA). Their confirmation and endorsement of the revised groupings ensure that the changes align with the latest safety guidelines and industry best practices.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the HSE and the UKMHA for their invaluable insight, support, and contribution to this project. Their expertise has been instrumental in shaping the review process and ensuring that the revised groupings will improve safety, compliance, and operational efficiency across the industry.
Internal Development and Implementation Timeline
We understand that these changes will require significant internal development and adjustments by our members to integrate the revised Workplace Transport Groupings into their systems. In light of this, the ABA has set a timeline for the official launch of the new groupings in early 2026. This timeline allows training providers, employers, and operators ample time to familiarise themselves with the updated groupings.
The transition to the new groupings will require careful planning and coordination. Each ABA member will need to make adjustments to their training content, assessment materials, and operational processes to align with the updated structure. The extended implementation period ensures that all members have sufficient time to complete the internal development work necessary to fully adopt the new system.
Acknowledging the ABA Committee’s Hard Work
This project would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of the ABA committee members, who have tirelessly worked to review, refine, and finalise the revised Workplace Transport Groupings. Their commitment to excellence, along with their unwavering support, has played a key role in bringing this project to fruition.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank each committee member for their invaluable contribution and for the many hours of effort they have invested in ensuring the success of this project. Their dedication has ensured that the updated groupings are of the highest quality and will have a lasting positive impact on the sector.
Looking Ahead: A Safer Future for Workplace Transport
The upcoming changes to the ABA Workplace Transport Groupings represent a significant step forward in improving standardisation across the sector. By creating a more accurate and practical categorisation of workplace transport, we are helping to ensure that employers are compliant.
In conclusion, we are excited to see the positive impact that these updated Workplace Transport Groupings will have on safety and operational efficiency in the workplace transport sector. The feedback and support received from the industry, along with the endorsement from key bodies such as the HSE and UKMHA, confirm that this is a step in the right direction. We look forward to the official launch in early 2026 and to the continued success of the workplace transport training community.
Thank you again to all those who have contributed to this important project, and we remain committed to maintaining the highest standards in training and safety for years to come.
