Workplace traffic and forklift safety checklist

Site: ______________________ Date: ____________ Checked by: ______________________

01Plan and paperwork

Written traffic management plan in place and briefed to staff, contractors and drivers.
Risk assessment covers traffic, loading, reversing and forklift work. WSH (Risk Management) Regs
Site traffic rules posted at the gate.

02Routes and separation

Pedestrian walkways marked and fenced where vehicles pass close.
Marked crossings at every point where walkways meet vehicle routes.
Separate pedestrian gate at the site entrance.
Speed limit signs posted and visible.
Convex mirrors fitted at blind corners and clean.
Roads, junctions and bays lit well enough to see a person.
Ground firm and level, with no potholes or spills.

03Reversing and loading

Reversing areas marked and kept clear of people.
Reversing alarms working and audible over site noise.
Wheel stops or buffers in place at loading bays.
Trained banksman in a reflective vest present for reversing with limited view.
Safe waiting area marked for lorry drivers during loading.

04Forklift condition

Pre-operation checklist completed and signed before the shift.
Brakes, steering, horn, lights and reverse buzzer all work.
Seat belt present, undamaged and clean.
Forks, mast and chains free of cracks, bends and excessive wear.
Load chart fitted and readable.

05Operators

Every operator has a WSQ Operate Forklift certificate on file. WSH Council forklift guidelines
Refresher training done within the last 3 years, or booked before 1 January 2027. MOM circular 2025-01
Operator wears the seat belt while moving and carries no passengers.
Keys removed when parked and held only by authorised operators.

Legal requirement

In Singapore, employers and principals must assess and control the risks from vehicles at work under the WSH (Risk Management) Regulations. MOM has set 1 January 2027 as the date by which every forklift operator must have done refresher training within the last 3 years. Occupiers, employers and principals must check this before they authorise an operator.

This is practical guidance, not legal advice. Laws and codes of practice change; always check the current official text and your site's own procedures.

Workplace traffic and forklift safety checklist

01Plan and paperwork

02Routes and separation

03Reversing and loading

04Forklift condition

05Operators

Sources and further reading

Related reading

Workplace vehicles and traffic: what supervisors need to know

Forklift pre-use checklist

Toolbox talk: working around excavators