NSW Government focuses on forklift safety during National Safe Month

Answer first: The NSW Government is running a forklift safety compliance blitz for National Safe Work Month, deploying more than 250 SafeWork NSW inspectors across the State to perform unannounced inspections wherever powered mobile equipment operates.

At a glance

• Who: SafeWork NSW, backed by 250+ inspectors on the ground statewide.
• What: Surprise site visits examining forklift operation, pedestrian separation and load-shifting equipment.
• When: Throughout October, aligned with the national month-long safety campaign.
• Why: Multiple injuries and deaths, including a horrific forklift incident that occurred last month in eastern Sydney.
• Regulatory focus: Vehicles, mobile plant and fixed machinery — one of five key priorities for the regulator.

Why forklift safety is under the microscope

SafeWork NSW identifies vehicles, mobile plant and fixed machinery as one of its five key regulatory focuses and a major contributor to traumatic injuries and deaths in work environments. Such plant sits at the centre of warehouse, yard and factory incidents because heavy machines share tight spaces with people on foot.

Sophie Cotsis, Minister for Work Health and Safety, mentioned that SafeWork NSW's month-long compliance initiative in October serves as a crucial reminder that safety is essential and must be the highest priority for all forklift operators.

“This compliance blitz builds on the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to make SafeWork NSW a tougher cop on the beat and follows a major $127.7 million investment over the next four years to address psychosocial hazards and compliance and enforcement of safe work practices,” she said.

“Every worker has the right to go to work and return home safely to their loved ones.”

What inspectors are likely to examine

Unannounced visits typically move quickly from paperwork to the operating floor. Expect scrutiny of:

• High risk work licences plus verification of competency for each operator using mobile lifting equipment.
• Pre-start checklists, defect reports and servicing logs covering every unit of powered plant.
• Traffic management drawings that physically separate people on foot from moving equipment.
• Condition of tynes, chains, seatbelts, warning devices and load-restraint equipment.
• Exclusion zones, mirrors, line marking, signage and posted speed limits.
• Safe work procedures and risk assessments for refuelling, battery charging bays and attachment storage.
• Reporting pathways so a damaged item of equipment is tagged out immediately.

Practical steps for PCBUs and site managers

Preparation beats reaction. Walk your site with health and safety representatives, then close obvious compliance gaps before an inspector arrives unannounced.

• Review your traffic management policy and confirm pedestrian walkways remain unobstructed.
• Test horns, beacons, alarms and brakes, and withdraw faulty equipment from service until repairs finish.
• Verify licences have not lapsed and that induction records for contract drivers exist on file.
• Brief supervisors on daily inspection duties so faults get logged rather than tolerated.

Peer States are taking a similar approach — see how South Australian workplaces are urged to prioritise safety and why WorkSafe is visiting sites during the October campaign.

Documentation that demonstrates compliance

Written evidence carries enormous weight during an unannounced visit. Maintain a servicing schedule for each item of equipment, dated risk assessments, incident registers and a signed policy statement outlining operator responsibilities.

Our Winch Safety Safe Work Method Statement illustrates the level of detail regulators expect whenever high-risk equipment forms part of daily operations. Smaller businesses can start with these work health and safety fundamentals for small businesses, then build out further documented resources as the fleet grows.

Culture matters as much as machinery

Well-maintained equipment achieves little without disciplined supervision, clear reporting and genuine consultation. Sound record keeping, competent drivers and protected walkways keep pedestrians, operators and plant out of harm's way long after inspectors leave.

Download-ready templates and other practical resources are available across our library, and current promotional offers are covered in the 2025 campaign terms and conditions.

For official guidance, visit SafeWork NSW for additional details.