Forklift Operation Safety Checklist

Date: 2025-08-05

Inspector: [INSPECTOR NAME]

Location/Area: [LOCATION/AREA]

Department: [DEPARTMENT]

Purpose

This checklist is to ensure the safe operation of forklifts, covering pre-operation inspection, load handling, and pedestrian safety. It should be used before each shift and during operations to maintain a safe working environment.

Instructions for Use

1. Review this checklist before each shift.
2. Complete each item on the checklist.
3. Record any failed items and corrective actions taken.
4. Submit the completed checklist to the supervisor.

Frequency

This checklist should be completed: Before each shift

Safety Checklist

Pre-Operation Inspection

Item	Pass	Fail	Comments
Check for leaks, worn hoses, loose belts, broken structures, and loose or missing bolts. [2] Check: No visible leaks, hoses are intact, belts are tight, structures are sound, and all bolts are present and tightened. If failed: Repair or replace any worn, damaged, or leaking parts prior to operation of the machine.			_________________
Inspect coolant level. [2] Check: Coolant level is within the recommended range. If failed: Add coolant if the level is low. Only inspect the coolant level when the engine and coolant are cool.			_________________
Ensure all guards and screens are secure. [2] Check: All guards and screens are properly in place and securely fastened. If failed: Secure any loose guards or screens. Replace any missing guards or screens before operating.			_________________
Check the operator's daily checklist. [4] Check: Checklist is completed and any issues are noted. If failed: Address any issues noted on the checklist before operating the forklift.			_________________
Inspect the path of travel. [3] Check: The path is clear of obstructions, holes, and drop-offs. If failed: Clear any obstructions or mark and avoid any hazards that cannot be cleared.			_________________

During Operation

Item	Pass	Fail	Comments
Wear a seat belt. [2] Check: Operator is wearing a seat belt at all times while operating the forklift. If failed: Instruct the operator to wear the seat belt. Do not operate the forklift without a seat belt.			_________________
Remain inside the cab enclosure. [2] Check: Operator remains completely inside the cab enclosure. If failed: Instruct the operator to remain inside the cab. Stop operation if the operator does not comply.			_________________
Operate at a safe speed. [1] Check: Speed is appropriate for the conditions and load. If failed: Adjust speed to ensure safe operation. Provide additional training if necessary.			_________________
Check for adequate overhead clearance before raising the load. [1] Check: Adequate clearance is confirmed before lifting. If failed: Ensure adequate clearance before raising the load. Lower the load if necessary.			_________________
Operate smoothly. [1] Check: Stopping, starting, lifting, and tilting are performed smoothly. If failed: Provide additional training on smooth operation techniques.			_________________
Maintain awareness of blind spots. [1] Check: Operator demonstrates awareness of blind spots with and without a load. If failed: Review blind spot awareness with the operator.			_________________
Use warning devices. [1] Check: Corner mirrors, back-up alarms, buzzers, and warning lights are used to prevent collisions. If failed: Ensure all warning devices are functional. Repair or replace if necessary.			_________________
Communicate with nearby workers. [1] Check: Operator communicates their intentions to nearby workers. If failed: Emphasize the importance of communication in safety briefings.			_________________
Keep pedestrians away. [1] Check: Pedestrians are kept clear of the forklift's operation area. If failed: Establish and enforce pedestrian-free zones. Use barriers or spotters as needed.			_________________
Yield to pedestrians. [1] Check: Operator yields the right-of-way to pedestrians. If failed: Reinforce pedestrian right-of-way rules during safety training.			_________________
Stop for crossing pedestrians. [1] Check: Forklift stops when anyone crosses the travel route. If failed: Immediately stop operation and retrain the operator.			_________________
Travel on inclines/ramps properly. [1] Check: Proper procedures are followed when traveling on inclines or ramps. If failed: Review and reinforce proper incline/ramp procedures.			_________________
Do not block fire exits or equipment. [1] Check: Fire exits, stairways, and fire equipment are not blocked. If failed: Immediately clear any blocked exits or equipment.			_________________
Keep hands and limbs inside the forklift. [1] Check: Hands, arms, head, feet, and legs remain inside the confines of the forklift. If failed: Immediately stop operation and retrain the operator.			_________________
Maintain posture in the direction of travel. [1] Check: Operator maintains posture in the direction of travel. If failed: Remind the operator to maintain proper posture.			_________________
Go over railroad tracks at an angle. [1] Check: Railroad tracks are crossed at an angle where possible. If failed: Instruct the operator to cross tracks at an angle.			_________________
Ensure no one is under the elevated portion. [1] Check: No one is standing or passing under the elevated portion of the forklift. If failed: Immediately lower the forks and clear the area.			_________________
Report incidents immediately. [1] Check: Any collisions, damage, or near-miss incidents are reported immediately. If failed: Reinforce the importance of incident reporting.			_________________
Inspect the path of travel. [3] Check: The path is clear of obstructions, holes, and drop-offs. If failed: Clear any obstructions or mark and avoid any hazards that cannot be cleared.			_________________
Travel on slopes/grades properly. [3] Check: Ascend and descend slowly and with caution. When loaded, travel with the load uphill. When unloaded, travel with the attachment downhill. Avoid turning, travel straight up and down. If failed: Review and reinforce proper incline/ramp procedures.			_________________
Position wheels before switching steering mode. [3] Check: All wheels are positioned in line with the machine before switching the steering mode. If failed: Instruct the operator to align the wheels before switching steering modes.			_________________
Position and set brake before lifting. [3] Check: The machine is positioned and the park brake is set before lifting a load. If failed: Ensure the operator positions the machine and sets the brake before lifting.			_________________
No riders allowed. [3] Check: No riders are on the machine or forks. If failed: Enforce a strict no-rider policy.			_________________
Do not lift personnel. [3] Check: The forklift is not used to transport or lift personnel. If failed: Clearly communicate that lifting personnel with the forklift is prohibited.			_________________

Post-Operation

Item	Pass	Fail	Comments
Lower attachment to the ground. [2] Check: The attachment is lowered to the ground. If failed: Ensure the attachment is fully lowered.			_________________
Place directional controls in neutral. [3] Check: Directional controls are in neutral. If failed: Place directional controls in neutral.			_________________
Apply the parking brake. [3] Check: Parking brake is applied. If failed: Apply the parking brake.			_________________

General Requirements

Item	Pass	Fail	Comments
Wear appropriate PPE. [1] Check: Operator wears fully laced safety boots and leather gloves. If failed: Ensure the operator is wearing the required PPE before operating the forklift.			_________________
Maintain three-point contact. [2] Check: Three-point contact is maintained when getting on and off the machine. If failed: Retrain the operator on proper entry and exit procedures.			_________________
Refuel safely. [2] Check: Engine is off, refueling is done outdoors, and spills are cleaned up. If failed: Enforce proper refueling procedures.			_________________
Maintain a clean machine. [2] Check: The machine and access system are clean and free of dirt, oil, grease, or debris. If failed: Clean the machine regularly.			_________________

Failed Item Procedures

1. If any item fails the inspection, the forklift should be taken out of service immediately.
2. The issue should be reported to the supervisor and a qualified maintenance technician.
3. Repairs must be completed before the forklift is returned to service.

Documentation Requirements

Completed checklists should be kept on file for review during safety audits.

Checklist Completion

Overall Status: ☐ Pass     ☐ Fail     ☐ Corrective Actions Required

Inspector Signature: Date:

Supervisor Review: Date:

Corrective Actions Completed By: Date:

References and Standards

• CSA B335-15 (R2020) "Safety standard for lift trucks" [4]

This checklist must be retained for [RETENTION PERIOD].

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