When pre-use checks slide to “if we’ve got time,” small problems turn into big headaches: breakdowns in the aisle, damaged stock, delayed deliveries, and sometimes injuries. A quick, methodical check at the start of each shift keeps trucks reliable, people safe, and you compliant with PUWER, LOLER, and HSE guidance. It’s not red tape, it’s how you stop avoidable disruption before it starts.
Why this matters
Pre-use checks are the cheapest risk control you’ll ever put in place. They catch worn tyres, weeping hoses, cracked forks, missing pins and failing beacons before those faults hit your operation. Done well, they build confidence: operators know the truck beneath them is sound, supervisors have a clear picture of what needs fixing, and managers get fewer nasty surprises mid-shift. And if the HSE ever asks, you’ve got a clean story, what was checked, by whom, and what happened next.
What “good” looks like day-to-day
A good check is calm, consistent and quick. Operators know what to look for, what to do if they find a defect, and where to record it. Supervisors don’t just chase ticked boxes; they spot-check quality and make sure defects get closed out. Maintenance teams get clear reports early, not a panicked phone call when a truck dies halfway through a pick.
Your practical pre-use checklist
With the truck off (visual):
Tyres & wheels: obvious damage, inflation (if pneumatic), wheel nuts present.
Forks & mast: cracks, bends, wear; locking pins present; chains/guides in good order.
Hydraulics: no leaks, split hoses or weeping cylinders.
Overhead guard & load backrest: fitted, secure, undamaged.
Power source: battery secure/clean; or LPG/diesel lines and tanks sound with no smells or leaks.
Cab & safety: seat, seatbelt, mirrors, capacity plate readable; attachments fitted and correctly rated.
With the truck on (no load):
Steering and service/parking brakes respond properly.
Horn, lights, beacon and reversing alarm work as expected.
Hydraulics lift/lower/tilt/side-shift smoothly, no juddering.
Safety systems (deadman/OPSS, interlocks) functioning; displays/warning lights make sense.
For electrics: battery/charge reading looks realistic.
If you find a safety-affecting defect: stop, tag the truck, report it, and don’t use it again until it’s fixed and signed back into service.
Records that actually help
Keep it simple and traceable:
One named, dated check per truck, per shift (paper or digital).
Log the defect and the fix: who repaired it, when, and the job or work-order reference.
Keep LOLER thorough examination reports together and current. Daily checks don’t replace LOLER, and LOLER doesn’t replace daily checks. You need both.
Making it a habit (not a hassle)
Start by showing people what “good” looks like. Use a standard checklist across similar trucks and add a couple of prompts where you’ve got specialist attachments or harsh environments. Make completion easy: a QR code to a short digital form or a pad mounted by the truck. Set clear triage rules (red/amber/green) so no one is guessing whether a defect means “stop now” or “control and continue.” Close the loop by feeding recurring issues into planned maintenance and mentioning them in toolbox talks, nothing motivates like seeing problems actually get fixed.
This is about smooth shifts and getting people home safe, not clipboards. When pre-use checks become second nature, everything gets easier: fewer stoppages, calmer days, and far less hassle. If you’d like help embedding this, training aligned to HSE L117, supervisor coaching on defect triage, or clean digital/paper forms, National Compliance Training can get you set up quickly.