Who is Responsible for Conducting Forklift Inspections? - Workplace Inspection Checklists
Who is responsible for conducting forklift inspections?
The responsibility for conducting forklift inspections usually falls on the forklift operator who will be using the equipment. In the UK, employers have a legal responsibility under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) to ensure that forklifts are safe, properly maintained, and inspected where necessary. While the employer is responsible for providing a safe system of work, the operator is typically responsible for carrying out the pre-use checks before starting work.
Forklift operators should complete a visual and operational inspection at the beginning of each shift or before they use the forklift. This ensures that any defects or safety issues are identified before the equipment is put into operation. The operator should check important components including the forks, mast, tyres, brakes, steering, hydraulic system, warning devices, seat belt, lights, battery or fuel system, and any signs of damage or leaks. If another operator takes over the forklift during the day, they should also complete their own inspection before use.
Employers and supervisors also play an important role in the inspection process. They must ensure that operators are properly trained, understand how to carry out inspections, and know how to report defects. Employers should provide suitable inspection checklists, establish reporting procedures, and ensure that faulty forklifts are removed from service until repairs are completed. They are also responsible for arranging regular maintenance and statutory inspections, such as Thorough Examinations required under UK lifting equipment regulations.
Maintenance teams are responsible for investigating and repairing any faults identified during forklift inspections. When an operator reports a defect, maintenance personnel must assess the issue and complete the necessary repairs before the forklift is returned to service. They should also maintain service records and help identify recurring problems that may require additional preventive maintenance.
A competent person is responsible for carrying out formal forklift Thorough Examinations under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER). These examinations are separate from daily operator checks and provide a more detailed assessment of the forklift’s safety and lifting components. They are generally required at least every 12 months for goods lifting equipment, or every 6 months when used for lifting people.
Ultimately, forklift safety is a shared responsibility. Operators perform daily pre-use checks, employers provide safe systems and training, supervisors ensure procedures are followed, maintenance teams correct defects, and competent inspectors complete formal examinations. Working together, these roles help prevent accidents, maintain compliance with UK safety regulations, and keep forklift operations safe and efficient.
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