Understanding Workplace Health and Safety Laws for Forklift Operators in Queensland

jorkingtraining
Nov 14
2 min read

Forklifts are essential for moving goods efficiently — but they also carry serious risk. Each year, Queensland workplaces see preventable injuries and fines due to unsafe forklift operations.

Understanding your Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) responsibilities isn’t just about compliance — it’s about keeping everyone safe.

Here’s what every operator and business needs to know.

Why Forklift Safety Laws Exist

Operating a forklift is classed as high-risk work under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (QLD). This means the law places strict responsibilities on both the operator and the business owner.

WorkSafe Queensland enforces these laws to reduce the number of incidents caused by:

Unlicensed operators
Poorly maintained equipment
Unsafe load handling
Lack of supervision or training

Legal Responsibilities for Operators

If you’re driving a forklift, you must:

Hold a current LF High Risk Work Licence.
Operate within the conditions of your training — using the correct forklift type and following safe procedures.
Complete pre-start safety checks every shift.
Report hazards or mechanical issues immediately.
Follow site-specific traffic management plans (speed limits, exclusion zones, signage).

Failure to meet these duties can result in suspension or cancellation of your licence, fines, or prosecution.

Responsibilities for Employers and PCBU (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking)

Employers must ensure:

Only licensed operators use forklifts.
Equipment is regularly inspected and maintained.
Site layouts minimise risk (clear walkways, signage, and lighting).
Training and supervision are adequate for all staff.
Incident records and risk assessments are documented.

Under the WHS Act, businesses can face penalties exceeding $150,000 (and higher for serious breaches) if these obligations aren’t met.

Common Forklift Safety Breaches

Letting unlicensed or expired-licence operators drive forklifts.
Ignoring traffic management plans.
Overloading or using incorrect attachments.
Failing to wear high-visibility PPE.
Using forklifts for passenger transport or lifting people unsafely.

Every one of these breaches is preventable with proper training and oversight.

How Training Helps Maintain Compliance

A certified forklift training course (like TLILIC0003 – Licence to Operate a Forklift Truck) ensures operators:

Understand WHS regulations and risk controls.
Can identify workplace hazards.
Know how to perform pre-operational checks.
Operate safely in accordance with Australian Standards (AS 2359).

Ongoing refresher training and regular VOCs (Verification of Competency) are also recommended to keep skills current.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

WorkSafe Queensland can issue:

On-the-spot fines for unlicensed operation.
Prohibition notices stopping forklift use immediately.
Prosecutions for serious negligence.

Injury or death resulting from non-compliance can lead to criminal charges under industrial manslaughter laws.

Staying Compliant with Jorking Training Group

At Jorking Training Group, we take compliance seriously. Our courses ensure both operators and employers understand their legal responsibilities and implement safe systems of work.

We help Queensland businesses:

Train and licence staff correctly
Conduct site-specific risk assessments
Maintain documentation for WHSQ inspections

Final Thoughts

Workplace safety isn’t just about ticking boxes — it’s about protecting lives and livelihoods.

If your team operates forklifts, make sure everyone is properly trained, licensed, and aware of their legal obligations.

👉 Enrol with Jorking Training Group today to stay safe, compliant, and confident on every job site.