Are daily forklift inspections required?
December 20, 2021

Daily forklift inspections are essential to ensure that your employees and facility are safe and comply with all regulations. OSHA requires that forklift vehicles have to be inspected at least daily, or after each shift when used around the clock. You will find this requirement in the Powered Industrial Truck standard at 1910.178(q)(7). OSHA also states that powered industrial truck examinations do not have to be documented.

What is a Daily Forklift Inspection


A forklift is used to move materials--like, say, pallets of boxed goods--in warehouses and manufacturing facilities. A "daily inspection" means that you should inspect the machine every day before it's used, looking for things like damaged hoses or missing bolts. This is not just good for your employees-it's also good for your business. The more often you spot potential problems, the less likely you are to have something go wrong with the equipment on-site and prevent possible injuries.  you're looking for any damage or potential problems with the forklift. This includes checking things like the brakes, steering mechanism, hydraulic system, and tires. You should also make sure that the load area is clear of hazards, and that the forklift is in proper working order.


If you're using a forklift around the clock, you'll need to inspect before every shift.


Benefits of having daily inspections


There are a few key benefits to performing daily forklift inspections. First and foremost, it's essential for safety. If you're not inspecting your forklift every day, you're more likely to have an accident on-site. Secondly, regular inspections help you avoid costly repairs. By catching small problems before they turn into big ones, you can save yourself time and money. Thirdly, an inspection protocol helps ensure compliance with OSHA regulations. And finally, routine inspections can help improve productivity by catching problems before they become serious enough to halt operations.


Few Key Tips:



  • Use the inspection checklist provided by your equipment's manufacturer. This will help you make sure that you don't miss any important items.
  • Inspect everything. Don't just check the things that are easy to see. Make sure to look underneath the forklift, and check the tires and brakes.
  • Keep records of your inspections. This will help you track any potential problems and ensure that your forklift is always safe to operate. Even if this is not federally mandated.
  • If you're using a forklift around the clock, inspect it after every shift. This will help keep everyone safe and ensure that your operation complies with regulations from OSHA.


Daily inspections are required by OSHA. If you are not performing daily forklift safety inspections, there may be potential liability issues in your workplace.

OSHA states that violations related to the use of powered industrial trucks can result in fines for employers. For more information on OSHA, penalties see https://www.osha.gov/penalties


At Read's Forklift, we offer preventive maintenance plans tailored to your business needs. Each visit from our certified mobile technicians comes with a checklist with over 100+ items. So you always know the current shape your fleet is in. Contact us today to find out more about how we can help you!


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