A telehandler may lift people only with a properly designed, compatible work platform and under a safe system of work. Forklift trucks and telehandlers are primarily material-handling machines, so non-integrated platforms should be used only in exceptional, short-duration situations where safer purpose-built access equipment is not reasonably practicable. People must never be lifted in a bucket, on bare forks or in an improvised container. 

In the UK, the main requirements come from the Work at Height Regulations, PUWER and LOLER. The employer must select suitable equipment, assess the risks, ensure the telehandler and platform are compatible, use trained operators and provide effective fall protection and communication. The manufacturer’s instructions and HSE guidance for non-integrated work platforms should form part of the safe system of work. 

Yes. Any lifting operation at work must be properly planned by a competent person, appropriately supervised and carried out safely. Equipment used to lift people is normally subject to a thorough examination at least every six months, unless a competent person’s written examination scheme specifies another interval, and pre-use inspections are still required. 

A telehandler work platform is an attachment fitted to a machine whose primary purpose is handling materials. A MEWP is purpose-designed for lifting people and typically provides integrated platform controls, emergency lowering and dedicated stability systems. For planned or repeated work at height, a suitable MEWP is usually the preferred option; a non-integrated telehandler platform is generally limited to exceptional, short-duration tasks.