How to complete a forklift pre shift inspection *Important Information*

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The Importance of Inspection

Beyond behavioral causation, injuries and fatalities also stem from detectable equipment failure when employees do not properly inspect and assess equipment before use. Safety regulators, forklift manufacturers, and many companies encourage that forklifts be inspected before operating, but these inspections are often neglected or poorly documented. Safety is an obvious reason that these inspections should be conducted regularly, and so is compliance—thousands of dollars in fines could be levied based on failure to determine forklift safety prior to operation

Forklifts are a common sight in many industries. Whether used in warehouses, manufacturing plants, retail applications, or elsewhere, forklifts are crucial tools in the daily operations and supply chains of most businesses. Because of this frequent level of use, many operators and nearby pedestrians can become complacent regarding safety protocols. This complacency can have many ill effects, including asset damage, employee discipline, fines, injury, and even death.

According to the Operational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), an average of 100 employees are killed each year in forklift accidents, and as many as 95,000 total forklift accidents occur on an annual basis

If you do not have a pre-operational checklist for your forklifts established, do not worry—they are fairly intuitive. Manufacturers often provide sample checklists that are updated and customized as necessary. Referencing these directions are your best bet. If you wish to create your own checklist, though, the following are examples of checkpoints that should always be included in your daily forklift inspection:

Check fluid levels (oil, water, and hydraulic fluid, for example)
Check for leaks, cracks and visible defects everywhere on the forklift
Check mast chains visually; avoid the use of hands
Test mast chain tension by lifting the load backrest to eye level—the mast chains should be level and any tilting may signify stretching or broken rollers
Check tire condition, pressure, and look for any cuts or gouges
Determine fork condition, remembering to check the top clip retaining pin and heel
Ensure load backrest extension functions properly
Check functionality of finger guards
Ensure safety decals and nameplates are legible and match the forklift model
Check that the operators’ manual and log book are present and legible
Ensure the operators’ manual compartment is clean of debris
Test all functional safety devices, such as seat belts and horns
Check the brakes, steering controls and other operational items for proper function