Pre Use Inspection Checklist - Forklift Safety

Start your shift the safe way. In this forklift safety training video, Supply Chain Proz explains the critical importance of a Pre-Use Inspection for any forklift, powered industrial truck (PIT), order picker, or heavy machinery used in warehouse, manufacturing, or supply chain operations. Every year, avoidable forklift accidents, injuries, equipment damage, and fatalities occur because operators skip their OSHA-required forklift pre-use inspections. This video walks you through why forklift inspections matter, what can go wrong when they’re ignored, and exactly what you need to check before operating a forklift at the start of your shift. What You’ll Learn in This Forklift Safety Training: Why daily forklift inspections prevent brake failures, mechanical malfunctions, and crushing accidents How shared equipment can become unsafe without proper pre-shift forklift checks Key items to inspect: tires, steering, drive controls, forks, mast, hydraulics, overhead guard, cables, gauges, brakes, horns, alarms, seatbelts, anchor points, and more How to use and understand your forklift capacity plate and rated load limits How lifting too much weight or lifting loads too high can lead to forklift tip-overs Why testing forklift functions (raise/lower, tilt, side shift, emergency stop) is just as important as the visual inspection When and how to report damage, complete inspection documentation, and follow lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures This video reinforces critical skills for all certified forklift operators, order picker operators, warehouse associates, and safety professionals. Whether you work in distribution, manufacturing, retail logistics, or any supply chain environment, these forklift inspection procedures are essential for staying compliant with OSHA 1910.178 and for keeping your team safe. Who This Video Is For: New forklift operators Experienced PIT operators needing a refresher Warehouse associates & lead operators Safety trainers, supervisors, and EHS professionals Anyone responsible for PIT safety, equipment inspections, or OSHA training Why Pre-Use Inspections Matter: A simple 3–5 minute forklift pre-operational inspection can prevent catastrophic accidents, downtime, and costly injuries. Don’t assume your forklift is safe—inspect it, test it, and verify it before you begin operating.