Are Daily Forklift Checks a Legal Requirement? - Workplace Inspection Checklists
Are Daily Forklift Checks a Legal Requirement?
In the United Kingdom, daily forklift checks are a legal requirement in practice, although no law specifically states that operators must complete a "daily checklist." Instead, the legal obligation comes from health and safety legislation that requires employers to ensure work equipment is safe before it is used. The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) require employers to maintain forklifts in a safe condition, ensure they are suitable for their intended use, and inspect them whenever safety depends on their condition. As a result, carrying out a pre-use inspection at the start of every shift is the standard method of complying with these legal duties.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) strongly recommends that forklift operators perform a pre-use inspection before using the truck. These checks are designed to identify visible damage, mechanical faults, or safety defects that could put operators or nearby workers at risk. If more than one operator uses the same forklift during the day, each operator should carry out their own pre-shift inspection before taking control of the vehicle. This helps ensure that any issues developing during previous shifts are identified and addressed promptly.
Daily forklift checks typically include both visual and functional inspections. Operators should examine the forks, mast, lift chains, tyres, hydraulic hoses, steering, brakes, horn, lights, warning devices, mirrors, seat belt, and overhead guard. They should also look for oil or hydraulic leaks, loose or damaged components, and ensure that the forklift's load capacity plate is present and readable. Once the forklift is started, operators should test the steering, braking system, lift and tilt controls, parking brake, and other operating functions to confirm they are working correctly.
In addition to daily inspections, UK law also requires forklifts used for lifting loads to undergo Thorough Examinations under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER). In most workplaces, forklifts lifting goods should receive a Thorough Examination at least every 12 months, while forklifts used to lift people or fitted with attachments for lifting people must be examined at least every 6 months. These formal inspections are carried out by a competent person and are separate from the operator's daily pre-use checks.
If a fault is found during a daily inspection that could affect the safe operation of the forklift, it must not be used until the defect has been repaired. The operator should report the issue immediately, remove the forklift from service, and ensure it is clearly marked to prevent accidental use. Continuing to operate a defective forklift could breach health and safety legislation and significantly increase the risk of workplace accidents.
Maintaining records of daily forklift inspections is considered best practice and is recommended by the HSE. Inspection records demonstrate that pre-use checks have been completed, help identify recurring maintenance issues, and support compliance with PUWER, LOLER, and the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. By carrying out documented daily inspections alongside regular maintenance and statutory Thorough Examinations, UK employers can improve workplace safety, reduce equipment downtime, and meet their legal responsibilities.
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