Forklift Daily Inspection Report
A pre-shift record for one forklift or other powered industrial truck: the visual walk-around and the operating checks, every defect with whether the truck must come out of service, who it was reported to, and what was repaired.
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Sample notes, 111 words
Company: Lakeside Distribution, Dock B Truck: FL-07 Make and model: Toyota 8FGCU25, propane Hours: 11,482 Date: 10/09/2026, 1st shift ...
We sorted 17 items into 4 sections and flagged 2 to fix soon.
- Fix soonVisual check (truck off)
Seat belt latch won't stay buckled
- Fix soonOperating check (truck running)
Backup alarm not working
- Worth watchingVisual check (truck off)
Capacity plate faded, can't read the load center
Filled in for you
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What goes in it
Every forklift daily inspection report from ReportDraft follows the same professional structure, so clients and reviewers find things where they expect them.
- Visual check (truck off)No engine oil, coolant, gasoline or diesel leaks, Tires and wheels: condition, wear, chunks, lug nuts, Forks: no cracks, bends or heel wear; fork locks working, Mast, lift chains, carriage and backrest, Hydraulic hoses, cylinders and fittings, with no hydraulic leaks, Overhead guard and operator compartment, Capacity plate, decals and warnings in place and legible, Battery, cables and connector (no acid leaks), or LPG tank, valve, hose and bracket (no gas leak or smell), Seat, seat belt or operator restraint
- Operating check (truck running)Horn, Lights, backup alarm and warning devices, Steering, Service brakes and parking brake, Lift, lower, tilt and attachment controls, Travel controls, accelerator and seat or deadman switch, Gauges, hour meter, battery charge and warning indicators
- Defects and actionsItem, Defect, Action taken, Reported to, Status
- Operator remarksAnything else the operator noted about the truck that is not a rated item, only from the notes; leave empty otherwise.
How it works
1. Add your notes. Type or paste what you saw. Rate items with one tap if you like.
2. Get a draft. Findings, recommendations and a summary are written for you, in your report's structure.
3. Check, sign, send. A completeness list shows anything missing. Sign to lock the PDF and download Word too.
Why it pays for itself
What United States federal rules require
- Industrial trucks are examined before being placed in service, at least daily, and are not placed in service if the examination shows any condition adversely affecting their safety; trucks used around the clock are examined after each shift; defects found are immediately reported and corrected29 CFR 1910.178 (q) (7) ยท OSHA: 1910.178 Powered industrial trucks
- A powered industrial truck found at any time to need repair, to be defective or in any way unsafe is taken out of service until restored to safe operating condition; repairs are made by authorized personnel, with replacement parts equivalent in safety to the originals29 CFR 1910.178 (p) (1), (q) (1), (5)
- A truck with any part running hotter than its normal operating temperature in a way that creates a hazard is removed from service until the cause is eliminated; a truck emitting hazardous sparks or flames from its exhaust is removed from service at once29 CFR 1910.178 (q) (8), (9)
- All nameplates and markings are kept in place and legible; modifications that affect capacity or safe operation need the manufacturer's prior written approval, with capacity and instruction plates changed to match29 CFR 1910.178 (a) (4), (6)
- Each operator is competent to operate the truck safely, shown by completing training and evaluation before operating it; the employer certifies each operator's training and evaluation with the operator's name, the training date, the evaluation date and who trained and evaluated; each operator is evaluated at least once every three years, with refresher training after unsafe operation, an accident or near miss, a poor evaluation, a change to a different type of truck, or a workplace change affecting safe operation29 CFR 1910.178 (l) (1), (4), (6)
- Trainees operate a truck only under the direct supervision of a person with the knowledge, training and experience to train and evaluate operators; OSHA reads direct supervision as that person being physically at the location of the practical training and evaluation, so an evaluation streamed live on a phone or tablet does not countOSHA standard interpretation, April 1, 2025 (29 CFR 1910.178 (l) (2))
- When a truck is left unattended, the forks are fully lowered, controls neutralized, power shut off and brakes set, with wheels blocked on an incline29 CFR 1910.178 (m) (5) (i)
- Battery charging is done in designated areas with facilities for flushing and neutralizing spilled electrolyte, fire protection, protection of the charging equipment from trucks, and ventilation for battery fumes29 CFR 1910.178 (g) (1), (2)
In United States workplaces, OSHA's powered industrial truck standard (29 CFR 1910.178) requires every forklift to be examined before it is placed in service, at least daily, and keeps unsafe trucks parked until repaired. Here is each rule with a link to the official text.
The daily examination
A truck is examined before it is placed in service, at least once a day, and after every shift when it runs around the clock. If the examination finds anything that affects its safety, it is not used. Defects are reported right away and corrected.
A truck that needs repair or is unsafe at any time comes out of service until it is back in safe condition, and only authorized personnel repair it, using parts as safe as the originals. Overheating parts and exhaust that throws sparks or flames also take a truck out of service. Capacity plates and markings stay in place and readable.
Operators
Operators complete training and an evaluation before they drive, and the employer certifies it with the operator's name, the training and evaluation dates and the trainer. Each operator is re-evaluated at least every three years, with refresher training after unsafe driving, an accident or near miss, a poor evaluation, a new type of truck or a change in the workplace. OSHA has said the trainer must be physically present for the hands-on part.
A parked, unattended truck has its forks down, controls in neutral, power off and brakes set, and charging areas have spill neutralizing, fire protection, guards for the chargers and ventilation.
Common mistakes
- Checking only at the start of the week instead of before each day's use.
- Using a truck with a known defect "just to finish the load".
- Writing "OK" for every item without actually running the horn, brakes and lift.
- A faded capacity plate nobody reports.
- Operator evaluations more than three years old.
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.178 (q) (7), checked October 13, 2026
- OSHA: 1910.178 Powered industrial trucks, checked October 13, 2026
- 29 CFR 1910.178 (p) (1), (q) (1), (5), checked October 13, 2026
- 29 CFR 1910.178 (q) (8), (9), checked October 13, 2026
- 29 CFR 1910.178 (a) (4), (6), checked October 13, 2026
- 29 CFR 1910.178 (l) (1), (4), (6), checked October 13, 2026
- OSHA standard interpretation, April 1, 2025 (29 CFR 1910.178 (l) (2)), checked October 13, 2026
- 29 CFR 1910.178 (m) (5) (i), checked October 13, 2026
- 29 CFR 1910.178 (g) (1), (2), checked October 13, 2026
Last reviewed October 13, 2026. Next review due January 13, 2027. This page explains published rules to help you write your report. It is not legal advice; the official text linked above governs. State rules can add to these.
Forklift daily inspection report rules by state
The key rule in each state, linked to the official text. Each guide lists every rule with its sources, and each template is set up for that state. Last reviewed October 13, 2026.
| State | Key rule | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| CaliforniaTemplate | The driver's check at the beginning of each shift, reported to a foreman or mechanic if unsafe | Cal. Code Regs., tit. 8, s. 3650 (t) (7), (8) |
| WashingtonTemplate | The daily inspection, following the manufacturer's instructions | WAC 296-863-30010 |
Template preview
Questions
What goes in a forklift daily inspection report?
A pre-shift record for one forklift or other powered industrial truck: the visual walk-around and the operating checks, every defect with whether the truck must come out of service, who it was reported to, and what was repaired. ReportDraft lays it out in 4 sections: visual check (truck off), operating check (truck running), defects and actions, operator remarks.
Do my state's rules change the report?
Pick your state when you start. Where we have checked a local requirement against official sources, it is added to your completeness list with a link to the source.
Can I edit the draft?
Yes. Every finding, rating and sentence is editable before you sign. Your own entries always win over anything drafted from your notes.
What do I get at the end?
A signed, locked PDF for your client and an editable Word file, both with your company details. Signed reports keep a fingerprint so later changes are visible.
Which plan covers it?
ReportDraft Safety covers a forklift daily inspection report along with workplace safety inspections, incident reports, fire extinguisher inspections, vehicle inspections (dvir). Forklift Inspections is also sold on its own.
How often must a forklift be inspected under OSHA?
Before it is placed in service, at least daily, and after each shift when it is used around the clock.
What happens when a forklift fails its daily inspection?
It is not placed in service, or is taken out of service, until authorized personnel restore it to safe operating condition.
How often must forklift operators be evaluated?
At least once every three years, plus refresher training after unsafe operation, an accident or near miss, a poor evaluation, a different truck type or a workplace change.
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