SAFE WORK METHOD STATEMENT (Forklift Operation)
Authorized By: _________________________

Rev: 1 04/12/2024
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COMPANY DETAILS
Name: XXX ABN: XXX Address: XXX
TASK NAME / ACTIVITY Forklift Operation
SITE / PROJECT NAME XXX
CODES OF PRACTICE
Hazardous manual tasks Managing risks of falls at workplaces Managing the risks of plant in the workplace
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Hard Hat

Hard Hat
High Vis Clothing

High Vis Clothing
Safety Glasses

Safety Glasses
Respiratory Protection

Respiratory Protection
Face Shield

Face Shield
Safety Boots

Safety Boots
Safety Gloves

Safety Gloves
Hearing Protection

Hearing Protection

Other
HIGH RISK CONSTRUCTION WORK
Risk of a person falling more than 2 metres Work on a telecommunication tower Demolition of load-bearing structure
Likely to involve disturbing asbestos Work on or near pressurised gas mains or piping Work in or near a confined space
Work in or near a shaft or trench deeper than 1.5m or a tunnel Use of explosives Temporary load-bearing support for structural alterations or repairs
Work in or near water or liquid that involves a risk of drowning Work on or near energised electrical installations or services Work that may have a contaminated or flammable atmosphere
Tilt-up or precast concrete elements Diving work Work in an area with movement of powered mobile plant
Work in areas with artificial extremes of temperature Work on or near chemical, fuel or refrigerant lines Work on, in or adjacent to a road, railway, shipping lane or other traffic corridor in use by traffic other than pedestrians
Job / Task Hazards / Risks Initial Risk Control Measures Residual Risk Responsibility
Planning and Preparation Inadequate planning, lack of communication Medium Conduct a site-specific risk assessment.
Ensure all personnel are briefed on the SWMS.
Confirm communication protocols are in place.
Low Site Supervisor
Pre-Operational Checks Property damage/personal injury due to inspection/maintenance of forklift not being carried out High The first forklift operator to use the forklift (each day or each shift where
more than one shift per day) will carry out a full pre use visual inspection
to identify any damage, leaks etc. with details of the inspection to be
recorded
Low Forklift Operator
Operator error Medium Verify operator holds a valid license. Low Site Supervisor
Site Inspection Uneven surfaces Medium Mark and clear uneven surfaces. Low Site Supervisor
Obstructions Medium Clear any obstructions from the work area. Low All Persons
Loading and Unloading Load instability High Use appropriate attachments and secure loads. Medium Operator
Falling objects High Ensure loads are properly secured. Medium Operator
Operating the Forklift Collision High Follow designated travel paths and maintain safe speed. Medium Operator
Tipping over High Use seat belts and adhere to load limits. Medium Operator
Forklift operated by unauthorized and/or unqualified person Medium Forklift to be operated by qualified, authorized personnel, holding a high
risk work licence for fork lift operation
Low Site Supervisor
Interaction with Pedestrians Injury to workers, property damage High • Establish exclusion zones and use spotters.
• Speed limit to be adhered to
• All safety devices to be working
• All loads to be secured
• Only palletized loads to be shifted with the fork lift. Do not pace
items directly on the fork arms. They are liable to slide off. Use
pallets at all times.
Low All Persons
Parking and Securing the Forklift Unauthorized use Medium Remove keys and secure the forklift. Low Operator
Roll-away Medium Apply the parking brake and lower the forks. Low Operator
Maintenance and Repairs Equipment failure High Follow a regular maintenance schedule. Low Maintenance Personnel
Personal injury/property damage due to safety requirements not being observed High • Do not place hands or any parts of body through the mast
• Do not stand between the mast and the load
• Do not stand on the tynes and / or load
• Do not exceed safe weight limit
• Do not operate with unstable loads
• Do not use damaged pallets
• Do not lower load when other workers are in the immediate vicinity
• Operate forklift with load and tynes as low as possible to increase
operators field of vision
• Operate forklift within nominated speed limits
• Where practical operate in a forward direction
• Maintain a safe distance from other plant
• Operate steering and brake smoothly when load is elevated
• Ensure all safety devices are working correctly
• Remove key from forklift when unattended or not in use
• Do not allow passengers to ride on forklift
• Do not operate forklift in proximity of overhead power cables
Low Maintenance Personnel
Property damage and/or personal injury due to periodic maintenance not being carried out Medium Periodic maintenance to be carried out by a competent person Low Maintenance Personnel
Worker Sign off Worker Sign off
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Reference Documents