Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MoM) has announced a new requirement for all forklift operators in the country to undergo mandatory refresher training every three years, as it strives to reduce the incidence of fatal and serious workplaces incidents involving vehicles.

The Forklift Operator Refresher Training course will be released by the ministry in 2025 with the new training to be compulsory from 2027.

“From 2022 to 2023, vehicular incidents were the leading cause of fatal injuries in the workplace,” the MoM explains. “One in four of these vehicular fatalities involved forklifts. 

“During the same period, MOM’s inspections found that close to eight 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.”

The MoM states the new refresher training course will cover both practical training and theory, covering key concepts and learning to recognise and manage potential risks.

The “enhanced course curriculum”, the MOM says will cover:

• 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.

“Forklift operators are advised to complete the training promptly to stay current with safe operating practices,” the MoM continues. “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.”