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Forklift maintenance and inspection

This guidance may help employers and self-employed people with the maintenance and inspection of forklifts. The guidance may also benefit others with work health and safety duties.

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Have regular inspections and maintenance

Forklifts and any attachments must be regularly inspected and maintained to control risks associated with their use. A checklist can help with inspections and maintenance.

Figure 1: An example of a pre-operation checklist.

A pre-operation inspection should be done in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations:

  • at the start of each shift
  • before first daily use
  • when there is a change of operator

Defects need to be reported. Have a system in place to lock out the forklift or any attachment from service if a defect is identified that makes the forklift unsafe for use.

Engage a suitably competent forklift technician to maintain forklifts. This will help ensure forklifts continue to operate in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Inspection and maintenance records should show:

  • what requires inspection at given maintenance intervals
  • what has been inspected
  • any maintenance that has been carried out
  • any defects and rectification work

The records should include any pending maintenance requiring sign-off or follow-up.

Further information

WorkSafe

Compliance code: Plant  

How WorkSafe applies the law in relation to Reasonably Practicable  

Consultation guide for employers  

Consultation guide for employees  

Developing a forklift traffic management plan  

Information for employers: OHS Act 2004  

Information for employees: OHS Act 2004  

The hierarchy of control  

Prosecution Result Summaries and Enforceable Undertakings  

Safety alerts

Employee fatally injured after fall from steel stillage  

Workers fatally injured by forklifts  

Employee fatally crushed between forklift load and mast  

Worker fatally injured by unstable forklift load  

Legislation

Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004  

Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017  

Industry and standards

Australian Forklift & Industrial Truck Association (AFITA)  

Providing essential logistics support.

Standards Australia  

Standards Australia is a non-governmental, not-for-profit standards organisation.

The following standards include information relevant to the use and operation of forklifts. If a standard has been superseded, refer to the updated document.

  • AS 1319:1994 - Safety signs for the occupational environment.
  • AS/NZS 1596:2014 - The storage and handling of LP Gas.
  • AS/NZS 1680 (series) - Interior and workplace lighting.
  • AS 1742 (series) - Manual of uniform traffic control devices.
  • AS 1763:1985 - Industrial trucks – Glossary of terms.
  • AS 1940:2017 (series) - The storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids.

Related pages

This information is from WorkSafe's Forklift safety guidebook. The complete guide is available in two formats.

Website version PDF guidebook