Forklift Operation Procedure

Product Overview

The Forklift Operation Procedure is a comprehensive, ready-to-use safety document designed specifically for Australian workplaces where powered industrial trucks are used. Whether you operate warehouses, manufacturing plants, transport depots, construction sites or retail distribution centres, this procedure provides clear, practical guidance to manage forklift risks and strengthen work health and safety performance.

Developed to reflect Australian WHS expectations and industry best practice, this document helps you standardise how forklifts are operated, inspected and maintained across your business. It supports your WHS management system with detailed instructions that are suitable for both large and small operations.

Key Features

• Comprehensive step-by-step guidance for safe forklift operation, from pre-start checks through to shutdown and parking.
• Specific coverage of high-risk tasks including loading docks, truck and container loading, yard operations and construction environments.
• Clear roles and responsibilities for managers, supervisors, operators, contractors and WHS staff.
• Integrated risk management approach, including hazard identification, risk assessment and control measures aligned with the hierarchy of control.
• Built-in templates and checklists for pre-start inspections, training records, risk assessments and maintenance logs.
• Traffic and pedestrian management guidance tailored to warehousing, logistics, manufacturing and retail back-of-house areas.

Benefits

• Strengthens WHS compliance by aligning your forklift practices with Australian work health and safety legislation, regulations and guidance.
• Reduces the likelihood of collisions, tip-overs, crush injuries and property damage through clear, consistent safe work procedures.
• Saves time on drafting safety documentation from scratch with a structured, professional template you can adapt to your site.
• Improves operator competency and supervision by defining training, licensing and authorisation requirements.
• Supports audit readiness and due diligence with documented processes, checklists and record-keeping templates.
• Enhances communication of safety expectations to workers, contractors and visitors in mixed pedestrian/vehicle environments.

Who is this for?

This Forklift Operation Procedure is ideal for:

• Warehousing and distribution centres managing high pallet movements and truck loading.
• Manufacturing and production facilities using forklifts for raw materials and finished goods handling.
• Transport and logistics depots, freight hubs and cross-docking operations.
• Building and construction sites using forklifts and rough-terrain units in changing site conditions.
• Retail and wholesale operations with back-of-house forklift activity and shared pedestrian areas.
• Safety managers, operations managers, HR and compliance staff responsible for WHS systems and safety documentation.

Legislation & References

This document is written with reference to Australian work health and safety requirements for powered industrial trucks, including WHS Acts and Regulations, high risk work licensing requirements and relevant Australian Standards and regulator guidance on forklift safety. While it does not replace legal advice, it provides a strong, practical framework to help you demonstrate WHS compliance and due diligence in relation to forklift operations.