Comcare - Australian Goverment
Comcare - Australian Goverment
Putting you first at the centre of what we do. Keeping you healthy and safe at work. Supporting you when you are harmed at work. Ensuring your scheme works and is sustainable.

Preventing forklift incidents

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Employers and trained forklift operators should be aware of prohibited practices. It is the responsibility of everyone in the workplace to ensure these practices do not occur.

  • A forklift must not be used for towing or pushing unless appropriate attachments are fitted.
  • Tow ropes must never be attached to the mast to pull or drag loads.
  • Fork extensions should not be fitted unless they are of an appropriate design.
  • A person should not push on the point of one or both forks. No-one should stand or walk under the elevated forks, even when a load is not being carried.
  • The back-rest extension and overhead guard of the forklift should not be removed.
  • Forklifts should not be left stationary, with the engine running, in confined spaces.
  • A forklift must not be parked or stacked on an incline, or operated on gradients with the load held higher than necessary.
  • Passengers must not be carried on the forks or load.
  • The operator’s arms, hands, legs and head should remain within the cab and should not be placed between the uprights of the mast.
  • A forklift should not cross railway lines, unless they are recessed into the surface; or be driven over a bridge plate, unless it is securely fixed and can support the total weight.
  • There must be a strictly enforced no smoking policy in a refuelling or battery charging area.
  • Do not use naked flames when checking electrolyte levels in battery cells.