Forklift driver's Licence and Safety in NSW

Forklift Safety in 2025: High-Risk Licensing, Compliance and the Need for Vigilance

Forklifts are vital in Australian workplaces — from warehouses to construction sites — but they come with serious risks. Operating a forklift is classified as high-risk work, meaning strict licensing and safety standards apply. The TLILIC0003 Licence to Operate a Forklift Truck ensures operators have the skills and knowledge to perform tasks safely in accordance with Australian legislation.

Why Forklift Safety Matters

According to SafeWork NSW, forklift-related incidents continue to result in injuries and fatalities across the state. SafeWork highlights the importance of proper training, pre-operational checks, and risk controls. Read their forklift safety guide here.

Recent incidents serve as stark reminders:

• In March 2024, The Sydney Morning Herald reported that a worker at a western Sydney warehouse sustained life-threatening injuries after being pinned by an unstable load that fell from a forklift.
• In Victoria, a company was fined $1.3 million after a forklift rollover led to a contractor’s death (9News, 2024).
• A Darwin worker was hospitalised after a 1.2-tonne load slipped during unloading (NT WorkSafe, 2024).

These cases demonstrate the consequences of failing to follow safe operating procedures.

The Licensing and Regulatory Framework

Forklift operation in Australia requires a High Risk Work Licence (HRWL). The unit TLILIC0003 Licence to Operate a Forklift Truck is based on requirements under Part 4.5 of the Model WHS Regulations. It covers:

• Planning the work task
• Preparing equipment and environment
• Performing operations safely
• Proper shutdown and securing of equipment

Only after successful training and assessment by a SafeWork NSW accredited assessor, such as Pipeline Training Australia, at Rouse Hill, can an operator apply for a licence. Details of the process are available via Service NSW (and it can be arranged through Pipeline Training)

Employer Obligations

Employers must provide a safe workplace by:

✅ Ensuring operators are properly licensed and trained
✅ Maintaining forklifts in safe, serviceable condition
✅ Establishing and enforcing traffic management plans
✅ Providing clear exclusion zones for pedestrians

Non-compliance can lead to significant penalties, as seen in recent prosecutions reported in The Sydney Morning Herald and 9News.

Key Safety Practices

🚧 Pre-start checks: Identify defects, ensure attachments are secure, and confirm all controls function properly.

🚧 Exclusion zones: Keep pedestrians at a safe distance at all times.

🚧 Load management: Never exceed the forklift’s working load limit and ensure loads are stable before moving.

🚧 Environmental awareness: Assess surfaces, lighting, and weather conditions before operating.

Full guidance is available in the SafeWork NSW Forklift Safety Guide linked here.

Conclusion

Forklifts are powerful tools, but when used improperly, they pose serious dangers. Training, licensing, and compliance with SafeWork NSW standards are essential to reduce risks. Operators must hold the TLILIC0003 Licence and apply safe practices every time they operate machinery.

For more details on training, licensing or to book your course, visit our Forklift Training Course page.