Forklift Platforms

Industrial lift trucks (or forklifts) are designed to move materials, not people. Platforms attached to forklifts can be used to provide access to work at heights if proper steps are taken to ensure both the platform and the forklift are safely set up, used, operated and maintained.

A forklift platform is defined as a work platform supported on an industrial lift truck’s forks. [Reg. 91-191, S.129.1(1)]

As an employer, you must ensure: [Reg. 91-191, S.129.1]

A forklift platform is securely attached to the lift truck to prevent accidental movement of the platform or tipping of the forklift. [Reg. 91-191, S.129.1(2)(a)]

• Forklift platforms are designed and constructed to be strong enough to safely support any likely load. [Reg. 91-191, S.129.1(2)(b)]
• Manufactured platforms, are set up, used, maintained, and dismantled according to the manufacturer's instructions. [Reg. 91-191, S.129.1(2)(c)]
• Industrial lift trucks supporting forklift platforms are on a firm flat surface to ensure the truck's stability. [Reg. 91-191, S.129.1(3)(a)]
• Industrial lift trucks are operated by a competent person. [Reg. 91-191, S.129.1(3)(b)]
• Forklift platforms have guardrails, except where it is not practical. [Reg. 91-191, S.129.1(4)]
• When there are no guardrails, employees are provided and must use a travel restraint system or fall-arresting system. The system must be attached to an anchor point provided by the manufacturer or approved by an engineer. [Reg. 91-191, S.129.1(5)]
• Any fall-arresting systems in use must not interfere with raising or lowering the platform. [Reg. 91-191, S.129.1(6)]

While the employer is ultimately responsible for all the provisions mentioned above, the supervisor has a vital role to play in the safety of their teams. As a supervisor, you must:

• Acquaint your employees with the hazards and control measures associated with their work
• Provide the information and instruction necessary to ensure their health and safety
• Enforce company safety rules, programs, codes of practice and procedures, including ensuring employees comply with the requirements below.

Operators of industrial lift trucks with a forklift platform raised more than 1.2 m with someone on the platform must:

• Not move the truck. [Reg. 91-191, S.129.2(a)]
• Remain at the lift truck’s controls. [Reg. 91-191, S.129.2(b)]

Employees cannot be on a forklift platform unless:

• The lift truck is on a firm flat surface. [Reg. 91-191, S.129.3(1)(a)]
• The platform has guardrails or a travel restraint system or fall-arresting system. [Reg. 91-191, S.129.3(1)(b)]

When travel restraint or fall-arresting systems are used, the employer must ensure that:

• Fall protection requirements that apply are followed (rescue plan, training, etc.).
• Industrial lift trucks used to support the forklift platform meet the industrial lift truck requirements.