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Documents & Templates

Forklift Safety & Competency Pack

Documents that work together for forklift work: what the operator does, a check they can do it, a pre-start before every shift, and a supervisor check that pedestrians and forklifts are kept apart.

  • EquipmentForklift
  • TaskOperating a forklift; Forklift and pedestrian separation
  • DocumentsVOC assessment, Safe work instruction (SWI), Pre-start checklist, Field verification checklist
  • FormatsWord (.docx), Excel (.xlsx), editable
  • CodeDOC-FLT-PACK
  • Version1.0 · 1.1 MB ZIP

About this pack

Most forklift paperwork is written separately and never quite lines up. These documents are written to work together. The safe work instruction tells the operator what to do. The VOC assessment checks they can do it. The pre-start checklist confirms the forklift is fit to use. The supervisor field verification checklist checks, on the floor, that forklifts and pedestrians are actually kept apart.

A short setup guide tells you what to adapt before you use them: your equipment and attachments, the manufacturer's instructions, your site layout and your local controls. Everything is in editable Word or Excel.

A VOC supports workplace competency verification. It does not replace a high risk work licence where one is required.

Who it is for

  • Warehouses, yards, manufacturers, retailers and construction sites that run forklifts
  • Owners and managers setting up forklift controls without a safety department
  • Supervisors who need a practical check that pedestrian separation is working
  • WHS advisers replacing documents that were written separately and do not line up

What it helps you do

  • Give operators one clear instruction that matches how your site works
  • Verify each operator against that same instruction
  • Catch faults before the forklift is used
  • Check on the floor that pedestrian separation controls are in place and working
  • Feed what supervisors find in the field back into the instruction and the VOC

What is included

Delivered as one ZIP download. The files below are editable, and every Word document also comes as a PDF. Each download also includes Read Me First, a Product Overview, the Permitted Use Terms and Version Information (PDF).

FileFormatWhat it is for
How the Documents Work TogetherWord (.docx)How the documents in the pack fit together, and who uses each one, when.
Setup GuideWord (.docx)A short guide to what to adapt before use: your equipment, the manufacturer's instructions, your site layout and your local controls.
Forklift Safe Work InstructionWord (.docx)Step-by-step instruction for the operator: before, during and after operating, with the hazards and controls at each step.
Forklift Pre-start ChecklistWord (.docx)The daily check before use, with clear do-not-operate criteria and what to do with a fault.
Forklift VOC Assessment ToolWord (.docx)The assessor's tool: the practical observation checklist, evidence requirements, safety-critical fail criteria, the outcome and sign-off.
Forklift VOC Knowledge Questions (Candidate)Word (.docx)The knowledge questions, for the person being assessed to answer.
Forklift VOC Marking Guide (Assessor)Word (.docx)The expected answers and marking guidance, for the assessor only.
Forklift VOC RegisterExcel (.xlsx)A register of everyone assessed: date, assessor, licence or authorisation sighted, outcome and when reassessment is due.
Supervisor Field Verification ChecklistWord (.docx)For a supervisor on the floor: checks that exclusion zones, walkways, barriers, speed limits and other separation controls are in place and working.

How the documents work together

Everything in the pack is written to the same task. The VOC assesses the operator against the safe work instruction, the pre-start checks the forklift before use, and the field verification checks the separation controls the instruction relies on.

Safe work instruction

Tells the operator what to do

The steps, hazards and controls for the task, written for the person doing it.

Included

VOC assessment

Checks they can do it

Verifies each operator against that same instruction, on your equipment, with evidence and a clear outcome.

Included

Pre-start checklist

Checks the equipment is fit to use

Every shift, before use, with clear do-not-operate criteria.

Included

Field verification

Checks the controls are working on site

A supervisor checks on the floor that the controls the instruction relies on are in place and effective.

Included

What supervisors find in the field feeds back into the instruction and the VOC.

Set it up for your site

Before first use, adapt the documents to:

  • Your equipment: make, model, capacity, attachments and any site-specific modifications
  • The manufacturer's operating instructions and data plate, which take priority over anything generic
  • Your site layout: traffic routes, pedestrian walkways, exclusion zones, loading areas and speed limits
  • Your local controls, procedures, emergency arrangements and reporting lines
  • Consult the workers who do the task, and your Health and Safety Representative if you have one
  • Review the documents after an incident, a near miss, new equipment or a change to the site

What you need

  • Your forklift details and the manufacturer's operating instructions
  • Your site layout or traffic management plan
  • Someone competent to adapt the documents, assess operators and verify the controls
  • Time to consult the operators and supervisors who will use them

Before you use them

  • A VOC supports workplace competency verification. It does not replace a high risk work licence where one is required.
  • The documents must be adapted to your equipment, the manufacturer's instructions, your site and your local controls before they are used.
  • Using them does not by itself make a workplace compliant with WHS or OHS laws. They support the work of managing the risk; they are not legal advice.

Questions about this pack

Why buy the pack rather than the VOC on its own?

A VOC needs something to assess against. The pack includes the safe work instruction the VOC checks, plus the pre-start and the supervisor field verification checklist, all written to the same task, so what you instruct, what you assess and what you check in the field line up.

Does the pack include the VOC assessment?

Yes. The Forklift VOC assessment tool, knowledge questions, marking guide and Excel VOC register are all in the pack, so there is no need to buy the VOC separately.

Does the VOC replace a forklift licence?

No. A VOC supports workplace competency verification. It does not replace a high risk work licence where one is required.

Can we buy the documents separately?

Yes. The VOC assessment, the safe work instruction and the supervisor field verification checklist are each sold on their own. The pack contains all of them, plus the pre-start checklist and the setup guide, which are only in the pack.

Do you need a licence to drive a forklift in Australia?

Yes. Operating a forklift truck is high risk work, and the operator needs a high risk work licence: class LF for a forklift truck, or class LO for an order-picking forklift truck. Licences are issued by the WHS or OHS regulator in each state and territory. A VOC then records that the licensed operator can operate your forklift safely in your workplace.

Is a forklift VOC a licence?

No. The high risk work licence is a legal requirement for the person, issued by the regulator. A VOC (verification of competency) is a workplace check that a licensed operator can safely use your forklift, with your attachments, on your site. It records that check and does not license anyone to operate a forklift.

How often should a forklift VOC be done?

WHS and OHS laws do not set one fixed interval. Most workplaces set their own reassessment period, and reassess sooner when an operator is new to the site, moves to a different forklift or attachment, returns after a long break, or is involved in an incident or near miss. The VOC gives you the same, consistent record each time.

Can we edit the documents?

Yes. Every document is supplied in Word (.docx) or Excel (.xlsx), so you can add your logo, change the wording and adapt it to your workplace. The copyright notice must stay.

Do we need to adapt them before use?

Yes. The documents must be adapted to your equipment, the manufacturer's instructions, your site and your local controls before they are used. The setup guide in the pack lists what to change.

Will these documents make us compliant?

No document can. Your duties are met by managing the risks in your actual workplace. Using them does not by itself make a workplace compliant with WHS or OHS laws. They support the work of managing the risk; they are not legal advice.

Is GST included in the price?

Yes. Every price in the store includes GST, so $199.00 is the total, including $18.09 GST. Your receipt is a tax invoice showing the GST.

How are the files delivered?

As a ZIP download. Card purchases can be downloaded straight away from the confirmation page and by a link we email you. Download links expire after 14 days for security; you can request a new one at any time.

Can we order by invoice, or for several sites?

Yes. Use Request an Invoice to order through your normal procurement process, with a purchase order number and quantities if you need them. The files are released once payment is confirmed.

Can we use them at more than one site?

Yes, across your own organisation. The documents are licensed for internal use by the purchasing organisation. A consultant, labour hire business or training provider supplying them to clients needs separate written permission.

Can we use them outside Australia?

They are written for Australian workplaces and refer to Australian WHS and OHS laws and licences. A business elsewhere should replace those references with its own country's requirements. Everything is editable for that.

What is your refund policy?

Your rights under the Australian Consumer Law are not affected. See the Refund Policy for how we handle a document that is faulty, not as described, or not what you ordered.

Licence and legal information here is general. It may not be correct in your jurisdiction: please check with your local WHS or OHS regulator.

Ordering for a business or several sites? Request an invoice. Other questions: contact us.

Goes well with

Start with a toolbox talk to brief the crew on the hazard, then use the safe work instruction, the VOC and the field verification checklist to set and check the controls.

Mobile Equipment and Vehicle Interaction Awareness

For: Workers on sites with forklifts, trucks, loaders or light vehiclesDuration: 20–30 minutes

For anyone who works around forklifts, trucks, loaders or utes: how people are hit by mobile equipment, and the habits that keep pedestrians and machines apart.

What's included
  • Editable slides with speaker notes, plus PDF
  • Facilitator guide and participant handout
  • Multiple-choice assessment with answer key
  • Attendance record form and certificate template

Workplace Traffic Management Awareness

For: All workersDuration: 20–30 minutes

For everyone on a site with vehicle movements, including delivery drivers and visitors: the traffic management plan, site layout and rules that keep people and vehicles apart.

What's included
  • Editable slides with speaker notes, plus PDF
  • Facilitator guide and participant handout
  • Multiple-choice assessment with answer key
  • Attendance record form and certificate template

Separating people from mobile plant is a common critical control. To manage it as one, with performance standards and field verification across the business, see the Critical Control Management series.

Related documents

Forklift VOC Assessment Template

For: Supervisors, WHS advisers and workplace assessors

Verify forklift operators on your site and equipment: knowledge questions with a marking guide, practical observation checklist, fail criteria and sign-off.

What's included
  • Knowledge questions with a marking guide
  • Practical observation checklist
  • Evidence requirements and safety-critical fail criteria
  • Assessor sign-off, plus an Excel VOC register

Forklift Safe Work Instruction Template

For: Owners, supervisors and WHS advisers

The safe work instruction from the pack, on its own: the steps, hazards and controls, stop points, emergencies and sign-off, in editable Word.

What's included
  • Step-by-step instruction with clear stop points
  • Hazards and controls, most effective first
  • Emergencies, consultation, approval and review
  • Operator acknowledgement, plus a setup note

Forklift Field Verification Checklist

For: Supervisors, managers and WHS advisers

The supervisor's field verification checklist from the pack, on its own: checks on site that the controls for the work are in place and working.

What's included
  • Checks marked Pass, Not met or N/A, with the evidence seen
  • Critical controls marked, with same-shift escalation
  • Questions for the people doing the work
  • Actions, owners, due dates and sign-off, plus a setup note