If you’ve ever worked in a warehouse, factory, or anywhere goods need shifting, you know just how essential forklifts are. They make impossible jobs look easy: stacks of boxes glide across the floor, pallets full of who-knows-what lifted high and slotted onto shelves. But behind all that heavy lifting, there’s a serious responsibility — and a legal one — to keep those machines safe to use.
Why Forklift Examinations Matter
Let’s be honest: forklifts aren’t the most forgiving pieces of equipment. One weak chain, a worn-out brake, or a tiny hydraulic leak can mean the difference between a smooth shift and a trip to A&E. And while training operators is crucial, even the best driver can’t make up for a machine that’s ready to fail.
A “thorough examination” is more than a quick once-over. It’s a deep-dive inspection carried out by someone who knows exactly what to look for. Think of it like an MOT, but for the forklift — the goal isn’t just to keep it running, but to make sure it’s actually safe to use.
What the Law Says in the UK
In the UK, the law isn’t messing around when it comes to forklift safety. The main bit of legislation is the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER). If you’re using a forklift for lifting — which, let’s face it, is every forklift — you’re covered by these rules.
LOLER requires that all lifting equipment is “thoroughly examined” at regular intervals by a competent person. For most forklifts, this means at least once every 12 months; however, if you’re lifting people (with a man basket, for example), the requirement drops to every 6 months. And it’s not just a box-ticking exercise. The examiner has to be genuinely qualified, independent enough to give an honest report, and thorough enough to find problems before they become disasters.
Miss an examination, or fudge the paperwork, and you’re not just risking someone’s safety — you’re breaking the law. That can mean fines, prosecution, or even a jail sentence if the worst happens.
What Does a Thorough Examination Cover?
A proper thorough examination checks both the lifting parts (chains, forks, hydraulics) and the driving parts (brakes, steering, tyres). It’s not the same as regular servicing — you still need to do your daily and weekly checks — but it digs deeper. The idea is to catch wear, damage, or defects that even a careful operator might not notice.
When the examiner’s done, you get a written report. If there’s anything dangerous, the forklift comes off the floor immediately until it’s fixed. No exceptions.
The Bottom Line
It’s tempting to treat forklift inspections as just another bit of red tape. But when you look at the risks — not just to people, but to your business, your reputation, and even your freedom — it’s clear why the rules are there. A thorough examination isn’t just a legal hoop to jump through. It’s a way to make sure everyone gets home safe, every single shift.
And in the UK, it’s not optional. If you’re responsible for forklifts, make sure you’re scheduling those thorough examinations, keeping the paperwork straight, and taking any issues seriously. It’s the law — and it’s just good sense.
