This Forklift SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) is pre-filled and covers inspecting, operating, refuelling and charging forklifts. It covers 12 activities, from hazard awareness and the pre-operation inspection to shutting down, battery charging and emergency response, with the hazards, control measures and risk ratings before and after controls for each. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Warehouses and distribution centres
Manufacturers and factories
Transport and logistics businesses
Hardware, timber and building supply yards
Builders handling materials on construction sites
A SWMS isn't only for construction. Plenty of warehouses and factories use one as the written risk assessment for forklift work, the same way others use a JSA or Safe Work Procedure.
Use it to
Show clients, insurers and auditors how you manage the risks
Apply for tenders, contracts and supplier panels
Get through prequalification with Avetta, Cm3 and other contractor portals
Induct new workers and train them in the task
What this SWMS covers
Hazard awareness and pre-operation inspection of the forklift
Climbing in and out of the forklift
Planning the work, including uneven ground and overhead objects
Operating the forklift, including collisions with workers, rollover and falling objects
Combustion gases in confined spaces, and exhaust burns
Using a work box to lift workers, including falls and falling objects
Changing LPG bottles, including fire, explosion, pinch points and manual handling
Refuelling a diesel forklift, including spills and chemical contact
Charging electric forklift batteries, including hydrogen explosion, acid burns and arcing
Shutting down and preventing unauthorised access
Housekeeping, oil leaks and fuel spills
Emergency response to fire, rollover, collision or injury
What's included
Hazards and control measures for 12 work activities
Risk ratings before and after controls, with a 5x5 risk matrix and the hierarchy of controls
PPE requirements checklist and high risk construction work checklist
Daily pre-start and maintenance checks for forklifts, attachments and leads
LF or LO high risk work licence sighted before operation, plus supervision rules for learners
Site specific hazards section for anything unique to your job
Worker sign-off sheet and worker consultation record
Why use this template
Saves hours compared with writing a SWMS from a blank page
Covers the most common hazards and control measures for this work, ready to use out of the box
Fully editable, so you can add, remove or change anything to suit your site and how your team works
Helps your business stay compliant, with risk ratings, worker sign-off and consultation records already set up
How it works
Buy online and download straight away. You'll also get an email with your link.
Add your logo, ABN, project and site details.
Check it suits your site and task, edit anything you need to, and consult your workers before you finalise it.
Brief your team and collect signatures.
Common questions
Do I need a SWMS for forklift operation?
Only if the work is high risk construction work, for example using a forklift on a construction site where other powered mobile plant is moving. In a warehouse or factory a SWMS isn't a legal requirement, but you still have to manage risks like collisions with pedestrians and rollover, and a SWMS is a practical way to record how. Clients and prequalification portals often ask for one.
Does it include forklift licence requirements?
Yes. It sets out the LF high risk work licence for a forklift truck, or LO for an order picking forklift, sighted and recorded before operation. Learners operate only under the direct supervision of a licensed operator as part of recognised training.
Can I change it?
Yes. It's a Microsoft Word file, so you can add, remove or change any hazard, control or rating, and add your own logo and details.
Does it suit my state?
Yes. It's written to the model WHS laws and suits all states and territories, including Victoria under the OHS Act and Regulations.
What if it doesn't suit my work?
You're covered by our 30-day money-back guarantee if it isn't fit for purpose.
