Checks are part of operating
Pre-use checks should be treated as part of the job, not a separate admin task. Operators are often the first people to notice damaged forks, tyre problems, warning lights, leaks, poor visibility, battery issues or other defects that could make the truck unsafe.
For South Yorkshire sites where trucks move between loading bays, storage areas and yards, those checks help stop small issues from becoming incidents during a busy shift.
What the habit should include
- Checking visible damage, tyres, forks, chains, mast and attachments.
- Testing brakes, steering, horn, lights and warning devices where applicable.
- Looking for leaks, warning messages or anything unusual.
- Reporting defects clearly and taking unsafe equipment out of use.
Make reporting easy
Operators are more likely to report defects if the process is simple and supervisors respond consistently. A good reporting culture is just as important as the checklist itself.
Useful reference: HSE's lift-truck resources sit under workplace transport lift trucks.