Forklift Work Platform SWMS

Product Overview

This SWMS covers the use of a forklift work platform from planning and inspection through fitting, lifting, elevated work, repositioning, removal and review. It supports the management of risks associated with falls, platform security, forklift movement, overhead contact, dropped items and work-area access.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes task-specific risk controls for:

• Plan the platform work and proposed access method
• Establish an exclusion zone around the work area
• Inspect ground conditions, visibility and overhead conditions
• Inspect the forklift and work platform
• Fit and secure the platform to the forklift
• Brief platform occupants and the operator
• Lift the platform to the work position
• Carry out elevated work from the platform
• Reposition the platform safely when required
• Lower the platform and exit safely
• Remove the platform and park the forklift
• Complete records and review equipment condition

Who is this for?

Suitable for contractors, workers, supervisors and businesses using a forklift work platform for elevated work.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

The template includes references relevant to the documented work, including:

• Applicable Commonwealth, state or territory WHS/OHS legislation and regulations.
• Safe Work Australia Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces — use an engineer-designed workbox securely attached to the forklift carriage; do not raise people on forks, pallets or improvised devices.
• Safe Work Australia Model Code of Practice: Construction Work (November 2024) — guidance for SWMS preparation, implementation, review and construction risk management; model codes require adoption in the relevant jurisdiction before having legal effect.
• Safe Work Australia Model Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks — apply the hierarchy of controls and maintain effective controls.
• AS 2359 series, Powered industrial trucks — including applicable requirements for forklift selection, operation, inspection and personnel work platforms.
• AS/NZS 1891 series, Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices — where fall-arrest equipment is required.
• AS/NZS 1715 and AS/NZS 1716 — respiratory protection where task-specific airborne contaminants require it.
• AS/NZS 4602.1, AS/NZS 2210.3, AS/NZS 1801, AS/NZS 1270 and AS/NZS 1337.1 — applicable PPE selection and use guidance.

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Standard SWMS Features (Click to Expand)

• Task-specific job steps, hazards and control measures
• Initial and residual risk ratings
• Assigned responsible persons for each job step
• Plant, equipment and PPE requirements where applicable
• Permits, qualifications and high-risk construction work details where applicable
• Worker consultation, sign-off and review sections