Lift Truck inspections will NOT be done unless there is an enforced policy by the employer, it's that simple. Water: most newer truck have an overflow tank and the water is checked in this tank visually. Radiators with an overflow tank are vaccuum sealed and we should not open the cap. We also don't know how hot the water might be.
If the employer cannot prove they have a documented inspection for the start of each shift, it is the employer that could be charged.
The key to any successful inspection is the K.I.S.S. theory, "Keep It Simple Stupid". In other words, the safety items must be working, i.e., brakes, horn, back-up alarm and/or flashing light. Add a few more things like fluid leaks and that's it. A good inspection is a visual walk around + a mechanical/hydraulic check that will take 2 to 2 1/2 minutes and it's just the critical things that need to be recorded on the checklist.
One final thing: if you have more than 1 driver on the lift truck for that shift, the inspection should be kept on the lift truck for the entire shift so all drivers can confirm it has been done and finally, each driver, every time they get on a lift truck, they should take 2 seconds to ensure all safety items mentioned above are still working. Nothing documented, just a check and if any are not working it's instant lockout or tag out - remove the key.