Forklift Work Platform Inspection Books - 25 Checklists

Ensuring the safe operation of forklift-mounted platforms, man baskets, and other lifting equipment starts with thorough pre-use inspections. Allowing operators to carry out structured pre-use checks helps identify potential defects or hazards before they develop into serious, costly, or even life-threatening issues. These checklists have been specifically designed to enhance workplace safety, reduce maintenance costs, and ensure compliance with legal obligations under UK health and safety legislation.

Under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER), employers are legally required to plan lifting operations carefully and ensure all lifting equipment is used safely. Regulation 8 emphasises the need for pre-use checks, particularly when platforms or cages are fitted to trucks. Factors such as stability, overloading, and the risk of overturning must be considered before each use. Regulation 9 further requires that lifting equipment used for carrying people?including forklift platforms?must be thoroughly examined by a competent person at intervals of no more than six months or according to an approved examination scheme.

To maintain compliance and maximise safety, organisations should establish a formal programme of pre-use checks, regular inspections, and routine servicing. Operators must be encouraged to report any defects or operational issues immediately. Any critical faults must be rectified promptly, and the platform or man basket should be taken out of service if it is unsafe. Following the manufacturer?s instructions and considering the specific risks associated with non-integrated platforms is essential. Regular six-monthly thorough examinations are mandatory to comply with both LOLER and PUWER regulations.

Our Good to Go Safety Check Books provide a practical and efficient system to support these requirements. Each check book contains 25 individual checklists covering all key platform components and mechanical systems that must be inspected before use. Operators complete the checklist at the start of each shift, noting any issues or observations. A duplicate carbon copy of each completed checklist is retained in the book for management records, creating a clear audit trail that can demonstrate compliance during HSE inspections or internal safety audits.

In addition to the checklists themselves, the books include detailed guidance notes to assist operators in identifying potential problems, such as loose fixings, structural damage, hydraulic leaks, or signs of wear and tear on critical components. By following these structured pre-use checks, workplaces can reduce the risk of accidents, prolong the service life of lifting equipment, and maintain full compliance with safety regulations.

Using the Good to Go Safety system also allows completed checklists to be combined with a visual status tag attached to the platform. This ensures that everyone in the workplace can immediately see whether the platform has been inspected and is safe to use, or whether it should remain out of service until any faults are rectified. The combination of pre-use checks, record-keeping, and visual confirmation provides a robust, legally compliant approach to workplace lifting safety.