Forklifts are essential in many warehouse and industrial operations—but with their power and utility comes significant responsibility. Ensuring your workplace complies with forklift safety standards isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about protecting lives, reducing downtime, and maintaining operational efficiency. One of the most important ways to ensure ongoing compliance is by preparing for regular forklift safety audits. Whether you’re gearing up for a scheduled inspection or want to stay ahead of the curve, this guide will walk you through how to prepare for a forklift safety audit with confidence.
Understand the Scope of the Audit
Before making any changes or checking your checklist, clarify what the audit will cover. A comprehensive forklift safety audit will typically assess:
- Operator training and certification
- Condition and maintenance of forklifts
- Safe operating procedures
- Compliance with workplace traffic management plans
- Documentation and record-keeping
Reviewing the forklift safety guidelines provided by workplace regulators or trusted sources is a good starting point for identifying what’s expected.
Review Operator Competency and Licensing
Forklift operators must hold valid and up-to-date licences issued by a recognised authority (in Australia, typically a High Risk Work Licence). Make sure:
- All licences are current and easily accessible
- Operators have undergone refresher training where required
- Competency assessments are documented
Maintaining a training matrix can help you stay organised and audit-ready.
Inspect Forklift Equipment
A key component of the audit will involve inspecting the condition of your forklifts. Regular pre-start checks and preventative maintenance are essential. In preparation:
- Review maintenance logs to ensure services are up to date
- Address any outstanding repairs or faults
- Check that all safety features (horns, seatbelts, lights, etc.) are fully operational
Having documented daily inspection checklists for each forklift can demonstrate your commitment to safety compliance.
Review Site Safety Controls
Forklift safety isn’t just about the machine—it’s also about the environment in which it operates. Make sure:
- Traffic management plans are up to date and clearly marked onsite
- Pedestrian walkways, signage, and exclusion zones are in good condition
- Speed limits and safety zones are clearly communicated
It’s also a good idea to assess blind spots, loading docks, and high-traffic areas for potential hazards.
Ensure Safety Procedures Are Followed and Documented
Auditors will want to see that safety procedures are not only in place—but followed.Review:
- Your safe work method statements (SWMS)
- Incident and near-miss reports
- Emergency response procedures
You should also conduct a mock audit or walk-through to ensure staff know what to expect and how to respond to any questions.
Keep Records Organised and Accessible
Clear documentation can make or break an audit. Ensure that the following records are up to date and easy to locate:
- Forklift licences and operator training records
- Equipment maintenance and service reports
- Safety meeting minutes
- Risk assessments and hazard reports
Consider digitising your documentation to reduce the risk of lost or damaged paperwork.
Conduct a Pre-Audit Walkthrough
Before the actual audit, carry out your own internal inspection. Invite your safety officer or team to participate and be as thorough as possible. A fresh set of eyes might catch something you’ve overlooked.
Being audit-ready isn’t just about compliance—it reflects a workplace culture that values safety and professionalism
Regularly reviewing your operations against established forklift safety guidelines helps prevent incidents, boosts team morale, and keeps your business running smoothly.By investing time in preparation, you’ll not only pass your forklift safety audit—you’ll set the benchmark for safety excellence.
