The key to success often lies in preparation. For industrial companies in Singapore, such preparation is dependent on the equipment in use. One key piece of machinery is the forklift, a simple but imperative means to move and transfer loads and material.

While operating a forklift may seem straightforward, it is important that only trained personnel handle this machine. We’ve put together a list of safety tips to keep in mind while preparing your workers to safely operate a forklift in Singapore.

• Ensure the worker has a forklift license. This assures you that they have been trained with OSHA & WSH standards. It is illegal to drive a forklift in Singapore without a forklift license. The Ministry of Manpower actually recommends a refresher course every 3 years to avoid getting into trouble due to careless driving! 

• Make sure your operators are dressed appropriately. The ideal forklift operator wears a hard hat, safety shoes, and a hi-visibility jacket on top of comfortable clothing that is easy to move in but not too loose!

• Inspect the forklift. Operators should check that the machine is working well before use, every single day. What should you inspect? Our top three recommendations include tyre condition, brake function, and lifting capacity.  If there is notable damage, they should not operate the forklift and report it to management instead. 

• Pay attention to your surroundings while operating the forklift. This ensures your operator’s safety and the safety of others within the area, and includes avoiding any spots with hazards, like bumps, uneven ground, or loose objects. Or even better, Scantruck offers forklift cameras as additional safety measures! 

• Pay attention to the capacity of the forklift they are operating. Workers should take care to stay within the allowable capacity for the machine. If the forklift is unstable, it may be carrying too much - workers should lessen the load. The maximum load capacity of a forklift is around 80% of the forklift tonnage capacity.

• This is a marathon, not a race. There is no need to drive the forklift at high speeds. As a forklift owner, you’re just as liable when a workplace accident involving the forklift happens! All forklift operators should care when stopping, taking turns, or changing directions, and to stay safely within the acceptable speed limit while operating the machine. If you need a speed limit to be installed in your forklift, feel free to give us a call!

• Check the forklift’s fuel and charge. They should ensure that the forklift is fully fueled and recharged before operating. You don’t want an empty tank in the middle of doing a job!

• Park the forklift in its designated area. Last but not the least, workers should not leave the forklift where it may block pathways, exits, or entrances. There should be a designated parking area for all forklifts and that it is turned off before the worker ends their shift.

Scantruck is the sole distributor of the Komatsu forklift in Singapore and West Malaysia--a 100% Japan-made, reliable brand.

If you still need more information on forklifts and how to operate them, contact us at 6305 6600.