Forklifts (also called industrial lift trucks) are used to lift, stack and transfer loads in many workplaces across NSW. However, every year they continue to cause workplace deaths and injuries resulting in substantial financial and human costs for workers, industry and the community.

The three main reasons workers are killed or seriously injured in forklift incidents are:

1. being hit or crushed by a forklift
2. being hit or crushed by a load that the forklift is moving
3. being crushed in a forklift tip-over.

Some practical tips to help keep workers safe are:

• separate people from moving forklifts, using barriers or guardrails
• if you cannot physically separate forklifts from people, clearly mark walkways and safe work zones, and make sure your workers stick to them
• make sure forklift operators only move loads that are stable on the pallet or use an attachment if needed
• make sure your forklift operators wear a seat belt
• make sure your workers and visitors, including delivery drivers, stick to your traffic management plan and site safety rules
• talk to all of your workers - including operators and those who work near forklifts - about how to work safely around forklifts.

Forklift incidents can be prevented, especially when workers and businesses work together to improve health and safety at work.

Using a forklift

Download or print our free forklift safety fact sheets, guides and posters.

Guides and fact sheets

A2 posters

Purchasing a forklift

Licences

If you are a business you need to make sure your forklift drivers hold a current and valid licence.

Information about forklift licences

Check a forklift licence

Forklift safety videos

For more tips on staying safe around forklifts - watch our safety videos

Further information

• Guide to operating forklifts and other industrial lift trucks
• Workplace traffic management
• Pallet racking fact sheet
• Ministerial safety warning