All About Your Forklift Inspection Checklist
June 10, 2022


A CLOSER LOOK AT OSHA FORKLIFT INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS
According to OSHA guideline 29 CFR 1910.178 (q) (7), all forklifts should be examined at least once a day before use. This applies to a wide range of industrial settings, including:- Shipyards
- Warehouses
- Distribution centers
- Construction sites
- Fork condition
- Safety devices like finger guards, decals, etc.
- Visible fluid leaks
- Operator compartment
- Tire and wheel condition
- Battery restraints
- Cables and connectors
THE NEED FOR FORKLIFT DAILY CHECKLISTS
Forklift daily inspection sheets are must-have for businesses that require workers to use forklifts. These sheets allow workers to perform a full review of a forklift and track their results over time. A forklift daily inspection sheet is vital for forklift operators and their employers. The sheet makes it easy for a forklift operator to track issues identified during an equipment review. Meanwhile, the sheet allows a business to monitor forklift issues and address them before they escalate.FORKLIFT INSPECTION CHECKLIST – EXAMPLE
To help you and your employees better visualize what’s involved with OSHA forklift inspection requirements, we created the following infographic, followed by support text, to outline the specifics of a typical forklift daily checklist.

FORKLIFT DAILY INSPECTION CHECKLIST — VISUAL PRE-CHECK
The first step in a proper forklift inspection involves a cut-no-corners approach to how the forklift appears. If it doesn’t pass the eyeball test, address any issues immediately.✓ Obstructions
Ensure the floor is clear of debris, overhead impediments are removed and nearby objects are removed from the operating area.✓ Mechanical Inspection
Check the engine oil level and also look for any cracked or loose hoses.✓ Safety Items
Early warning systems like the horn, alarms, fire extinguisher and lights should be fully operational.✓ Harnesses
Ensure the seatbelt or other restraint mechanisms are intact.FORKLIFT DAILY INSPECTION CHECKLIST — OPERATIONAL PRE-CHECK
Once the visual pre-check is complete, your forklift should pass the following operational pre-use inspection:✓ Brakes
Test the parking brake, regular brakes, and other stopping systems.✓ Cargo Handling
The forks, lift mechanism, tilt function, and related functions should perform error-free✓ Cockpit Controls
If any steering or control panel issues are present, do not operate the forklift.✓ Audio Check
Listen for any unexpected sounds during the operational pre-check. Common systems to listen for include the transmission, leaky hoses (hissing sounds) and other “weird” noises.✓ Lights and Alarms
Even if your visual pre-check found no problems with lights and alarms, it is recommended to test the same functions during a test drive.DAILY FORKLIFT INSPECTION CHECKLIST – INSPECTION POINTS
Now that you have a better understanding of OSHA forklift inspection requirements, it’s time for an interactive experience – simply click on the different parts of the forklift below to learn more about each inspection point on your daily forklift inspection checklist.IMPORTANCE OF FORKLIFT DAILY INSPECTION CHECKLISTS
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)’s recent study, more than 1,000 workers died in forklift-related incidents. Of these fatalities, the most common were:- 22%: Forklift Overturns
- 20%: Workers on foot struck by a forklift
- 9%: Fall from a forklift
FAQs FOR FORKLIFT INSPECTION CHECKLISTS
ARE FORKLIFT INSPECTION CHECKLISTS REQUIRED?
Per OSHA, part of forklift maintenance involves daily inspections. If your lift currently doesn’t receive daily inspections, or you’re not sure about OSHA forklift inspection requirements, you should notify your supervisor immediately. The absence of a forklift maintenance plan and daily forklift inspections could mean huge penalties and fines down the line.HOW DO I FILL OUT FORKLIFT INSPECTION CHECKLISTS?
Your company can decide how its forklift operators complete a daily inspection checklist. Ultimately, a business that lets its workers use forklifts on a daily basis must track daily inspections of these machines. With handwritten or electronic checklists, your business can ensure that its forklift operators are performing the necessary reviews before they start using a machine. Then, you can collect these checklists, review them, and ensure that your business complies with OSHA requirements.HOW LONG SHOULD FORKLIFT INSPECTION CHECKLISTS BE RETAINED?
Forklift daily inspection sheets should be retained for at least one year, according to OSHA regulations. With these sheets at your disposal, you can provide them to OSHA upon request — without having to worry about violating the agency’s forklift daily inspection sheet reporting mandates.WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF DAILY FORKLIFT INSPECTION CHECKLISTS?
There are many reasons that OSHA requires daily forklift inspections. A forklift inspection checklist will help prevent accidents, and it also helps set safety standards for your entire company. And remember – OSHA requires lift inspections every day. A forklift daily checklist is a great way to keep on track with OSHA compliance, your company’s safety plan, and — most importantly — promote a safer, more productive work environment.

