Templates
Forklift inspection checklist template

Forklift inspection checklist template

Document pre-shift visual and operational checks with sections for forks, hydraulics, and safety features—flagging maintenance issues to prevent costly accidents and OSHA violations.

Use this template
or download pdf
Forklift inspection checklist template

Document pre-shift visual and operational checks with sections for forks, hydraulics, and safety features—flagging maintenance issues to prevent costly accidents and OSHA violations.

Use this template
or download pdf

About the Forklift inspection checklist template

Your forklift inspection checklist template streamlines OSHA compliance while protecting your workforce and equipment. This comprehensive template covers both visual and operational checks and is a great starting point for 29 CFR 1910.178(q)(7) compliance, helping warehouse managers implement standardized inspections. Since the average cost of workers’ compensation claims related to forklift accidents is reported to roughly amount to over $40,000 yearly, proper inspection protocols become not just a safety measure but a significant cost-saving investment.

While our forklift inspection checklist template focuses on general requirements, you might also need our weekly inspection checklist for thorough evaluations, or our maintenance checklist for tracking preventive care. For specialized equipment, check out our electric forklift or battery maintenance checklists to keep your entire fleet in optimal condition.

Related categories

Preview of the template
Audit
Plant Vehicle
Type of equipment?
Other type
Operator Details
If an operator has no proof of training held on record, they must not operate a forklift truck until proof of training competency has been proven
Has the operator a valid certificate of training that has been passed or refreshed within the last three years?
Date of test or refresher course?
Has the operator an up to date authorisation to operate, signed and renewable annually?
Date of signed authorization operate the plant vehicle
Daily Safety Inspection
The operator completes the safety Pre-shift safety inspection correctly
The operator fully understands the capacity information plate?
The operator understands the correct fault reporting procedures?
If a fault has been found, the lift truck must be parked up in a safe place and the key removed. The fault must be made to a member of the management team.
Operator Safety & Observation
The operator:
Mounts / dismounts correctly
Uses the seat belt correctly
Keeps body parts within the confines of the vehicle
Looks in the direction of travel
Use the horn appropriately
Follows the correct procedures for an "unattended" vehicle?
Was good all round safety observation
Steering & Operating Controls
The operator:
Starts and stops smoothly
Uses assistor correctly
Travels unintentionally in the wrong direction
Brakes harshly / erratically
Releases the parking brake prior to moving off
Rides the foot brake
Operates the hydraulic controls when the lift truck is in motion
Operates and understands the controls
Competency In Load Capacity
The operator:
Matches load with the truck's capacity
Checks the load for stability
Maneuvering & Transportation
The operator:
Forks to high when traveling
Forks to low when traveling
Operates in reverse, looking in the direction of travel to the correct ratio
Operates at a speed consistent with the type of load and working conditions?
Performs safe maneuvering with the lift truck and load
Stacking & de-stacking
The operator:
Applies the park brake when operating the hydraulics
Applies neutral when operating the hydraulics
Forks arm central under the load
Fork arms not rubbing (entry / withdrawal)
Fork tips touch the stack / load
Forks / load not level
Stacked load correctly
Fork arms not fully inserted (undercut)
It is some times necessary to undercut a load due to the nature of where it is to be located. It must remain within the limits of the capacity plate.
Parking
The operator:
Correctly applies the park brake
Sets the direction lever to the neutral position
Correctly apples forward tilt
Correctly lowers the fork arms
Maneuvers wheels are in the straight position
Switches off and removes the key
Assessment Recommendations & Evaluations
Overall Evalution of the Operator
Recommendations
Confirmation
Full Name and Signature of Operator
Full Name and Signature of Evaluator
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Frequently asked questions

What information should be included in a forklift inspection checklist template?

A well-designed forklift inspection checklist template should include sections for pre-operational visual checks and operational tests, with specific items for tires, forks, chains, hydraulic systems, brakes, steering, warning devices, and fluid levels. Include space for the operator’s name, date, forklift ID, shift, pass/fail indicators, comments for deficiencies, and signature fields. Consider adding a maintenance action section to track repairs.

How do I customize a forklift inspection checklist template for different forklift types?

Start with a comprehensive base template, then add specific sections for your equipment types. For electric forklifts, include battery condition and charging connection checks. For propane forklifts, add fuel system and tank mount inspections. For reach trucks, include mast and extension mechanism checks. Remove irrelevant sections to keep the checklist focused and efficient for your specific fleet composition.

Where can I find a forklift inspection checklist template that complies with OSHA requirements?

While OSHA doesn’t provide an official template, you can find OSHA-compliant templates through safety organizations, forklift manufacturers, industry associations, and digital safety platforms like ours. Ensure any template you choose covers the requirements in 29 CFR 1910.178(q)(7). Our template has been reviewed by safety professionals to ensure it meets all regulatory requirements while remaining practical for daily use.

Who should be responsible for completing the forklift inspection checklist template?

The forklift operator should complete the inspection checklist before their shift begins. This creates accountability and ensures the person most familiar with how the equipment normally operates can identify changes or issues. Supervisors should periodically verify inspection quality, and maintenance personnel should review completed checklists to identify and address potential problems before they cause equipment failure or accidents.

This template, developed by Lumiform employees, serves as a starting point for businesses using the Lumiform platform and is intended as a hypothetical example only. It does not replace professional advice. Companies should consult qualified professionals to assess the suitability and legality of using this template in their specific workplace or jurisdiction. Lumiform is not liable for any errors or omissions in this template or for any actions taken based on its content.