What Should You Do Before an Onsite Forklift Training Day? (Business Checklist)

Businesses often ask:“What do we need to prepare before onsite forklift training?”

Preparing properly ensures your training day runs smoothly, avoids delays, and keeps everything compliant with WorkSafe Queensland requirements.

Here’s a simple checklist to follow before your onsite forklift course.

Why Preparation Matters

Onsite forklift training is designed to minimise downtime and train staff in real workplace conditions.

However, without proper preparation, you can run into:

• Delays on the day

• Incomplete assessments

• Safety risks

• Non-compliance issues

A small amount of planning ensures your team gets the most value from the training.

Onsite Forklift Training Checklist

1. Ensure All Participants Meet Eligibility Requirements

Before the training day, confirm all participants:

• Are 18 years or older

• Have basic English and numeracy skills

• Have completed any required online theory (if applicable)

This avoids anyone being turned away or delayed.

2. Confirm ID Requirements

All participants must provide 100 points of identification.

This typically includes:

• Driver’s licence

• Passport

• Medicare card

⚠️ The same ID used during enrolment must be presented on the day.

3. Provide a Suitable Forklift

For onsite training, you must supply:

• A safe, operational forklift

• Equipment that reflects your actual work environment

The forklift should:

• Be in good working condition

• Have no major faults or safety issues

• Be appropriate for training and assessment tasks

4. Prepare a Safe Training Area

You’ll need a designated space that allows for:

• Safe manoeuvring

• Load handling and stacking

• Separation from pedestrians and other operations

Best practice includes:

• Flat, stable ground

• Clear exclusion zones

• Minimal interference from other workers

5. Have Suitable Loads Available

Training requires realistic load handling.

You should provide:

• Pallets or stillages

• Typical workplace loads

• Stable and safe materials for lifting

This ensures training reflects real job conditions.

6. Notify Staff and Minimise Disruptions

Let your team know:

• Training times and schedule

• Who is attending

• Any changes to workflow

Where possible:

• Reduce traffic in the training area

• Avoid overlapping high-risk activities

7. Ensure PPE Is Available

All participants must wear appropriate PPE, including:

• High-visibility clothing

• Steel cap boots

• Any site-specific safety gear

No PPE = no participation.

8. Allocate Time for Assessment

Even with efficient training models, each participant must complete:

• Practical assessment

• Knowledge verification

Allow flexibility for:

• Individual assessment times

• Extra support if needed

What Happens on the Day?

A typical onsite forklift training day includes:

• Practical training on your equipment

• Assessment of each operator

• Real-world safety application

• Immediate feedback from the assessor

The goal is not just to pass — but to ensure operators are competent and safe in your environment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Businesses often run into issues when they:

• Don’t provide correct ID

• Have unsafe or faulty equipment

• Try to rush too many participants through

• Don’t allow enough space for training

Avoiding these ensures a smooth, compliant day.

Key Takeaway

Before onsite forklift training, businesses must ensure:

• Participants meet eligibility and ID requirements

• A safe forklift and training area are available

• Suitable loads and PPE are provided

• Operations are adjusted to allow safe training

Proper preparation ensures training is efficient, compliant, and effective.

If you’re planning onsite forklift training, preparation is key.

Jorking Training Group works with businesses across Queensland to deliver structured, compliant onsite training with minimal disruption. Enquire about out onsite training here.