Is it necessary to keep records of Forklift daily inspections if the Forklift passes inspection? If so, for how long? It seems like a lot of paper would accumulate, considering the inspections occur daily and for every shift.
Regulation 106 our OHS Regulations (record of inspection and maintenance) instructs 'the employer must keep a record of any inspection carried out on the plant for the period that the employer has management or control of the plant.'
However, this regulation only applies to plant referred to in Schedule 2—Plant requiring registration of design.
Examples of plant listed in schedule 2 include: amusement structures, boilers, lifts, tower cranes, pressure vessels, self-erecting tower cranes and concrete-placing booms.
Forklifts are not listed in schedule 2, therefore there's no requirement under r.106 to retain records of safety start-up inspections for every forklift operator, on every shift.
That said, we're confident it's still a good process to keep records as part of employer duties to monitor conditions at the workplace, keep information and records relating to the safety of employees, and maintain safe systems of work - under sections 22(1)(a), 22(2)(A), and 21(2)(a) of our OHS Act, respectively
For further information, you may find our Forklift Safety webpage helpful, in addition to WorkSafe’s Forklift Safety – reducing the risk. Operator’s Daily Checklist stickers, made of wipe-clean plastic, are referenced on p20.
We strongly encourage you to contact your Union for additional guidance and representation.