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Enhanced forklift operator refresher training course and new refresher training requirement

Workplace safety and health

As part of our ongoing efforts to build a culture of workplace safety and health (WSH) excellence, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will introduce an enhanced Forklift Operator Refresher Training course in 2025 and make the completion of refresher training mandatory with effect from early 2027.

 

2         From 2022 to 2023, vehicular incidents were the leading cause of fatal injuries in the workplace. 1 in 4 of these vehicular fatalities involved forklifts. During the same period, MOM’s inspections found that close to 8 in 10 forklift-related contraventions involved forklift operators who had not undergone forklift refresher training within three years. Under the WSH Guidelines on Safe Operation of Forklift Trucks, all forklift operators should attend a refresher training course once every three years after the completion of their first training course.

 

New Training Requirement under Workplace Safety and Health Act

 

3          As part of the new training requirement under the WSH Act Section 31(4), MOM will require all forklift operators to attend a refresher course at least once every three years. This will take effect from 2027 to allow forklift operators to have sufficient time to attend the refresher training. A WSH circular with more details will be issued to the industry at a later date.

 

Benefits of Forklift Operator Refresher Training Course for employers and workers

 

4          The course will provide forklift operators with the essential skills through both theory and practical training. It will cover key safety concepts, industry guidelines, learnings from past incidents and hands-on practice. Participants will refresh their knowledge on practical forklift operation skills, and learn to recognise and manage potential risks, equipping them for everyday operational challenges. This will strengthen the safety awareness of forklift operators and reinforce compliance with safety regulations. Below is an overview of the enhanced course curriculum for the new refresher course:

 

  • Strengthen operator’s knowledge on key WSH Legislation & Singapore Standards (SS573) on forklift operations and highlight the implications of non-compliance;

 

  • Enhance operator’s competency in interpreting and applying the load chart to ensure safe and effective forklift operation;

 

  • Reinforce the forklift stability fundamentals essential for safe forklift operation during travelling, loading and unloading;

 

  • Refresh on the knowledge of conducting pre-operational and post-operational checks to maintain forklift functionality and reliability;

 

  • Refresh on safe operation techniques and compliance requirements;

 

  • Reinforce operator’s awareness of common safety lapses and their consequences by referencing real past accident cases;

 

  • Instil strong understanding of safety rules i.e. essential DOs & DON'Ts to ensure safe practices by operator.

 

5          Forklift operators are advised to complete the training promptly to stay current with safe operating practices. Employers and principals are responsible for ensuring their operators complete the refresher course within the specified timeframe before allowing them to operate forklifts. This will benefit both employers and workers by ensuring a safe work environment where only qualified workers are allowed to operate forklifts.