What the law requires, what the WSH guidelines recommend, and the safety features we fit.
Every forklift operator in Singapore must complete the WSQ Operate Forklift course, and operators of forklifts above 5 tonnes must also complete the Heavy Forklift course. From 1 January 2027, employers must also ensure their operators attend refresher training at least once every 3 years. On top of training, the WSH Council's forklift guidelines recommend seat belts, speed limiters, a site traffic management plan and daily pre-use checks.
| Requirement | Who it applies to | Status and source |
|---|---|---|
| WSQ Operate Forklift course | All forklift operators | Mandatory (MOM) |
| Heavy Forklift course | Operators of forklifts above 5 tonnes | Mandatory (MOM) |
| Refresher training at least once every 3 years | All operators — employers must ensure it | Mandatory from 1 January 2027 (WSH Act, Section 31(4)) |
| Risk assessment for forklift work | Employers and principals | WSH (Risk Management) Regulations |
| Forklifts must be safe to use when supplied | Manufacturers and suppliers | WSH Act (forklifts are listed machinery) |
The WSH Council's Guidelines on Safe Operation of Forklift Trucks set out good practice for employers and operators:
Fitted on forklifts we sell and rent, and retrofitted on customer-owned forklifts across major brands.
| Feature | What it does |
|---|---|
| Reverse alarm | Audible warning whenever the forklift reverses. |
| Radar proximity sensor | Alerts the operator when a person or object is 2–3 metres away, versus the standard 1.5 metres. |
| Boundary lights (3 red + 1 blue LED) | Projects a visible safe-distance zone on the floor around the truck. |
| Front and rear cameras with monitor | Covers blind spots behind and in front of the load. |
| Speed limiter | Caps travel speed to your site's in-house limit. |
| Seat belt | Keeps the operator inside the overhead guard if the forklift tips. |
| Blind-spot mirrors | Wider view at corners and when reversing. |
| Luminous markings | Makes the forklift visible in low light. |
| Fire extinguisher | On-board extinguisher, as recommended near refuelling. |
See our safety installation work → · Rental forklifts come with the safety package fitted →
Based on the sample pre-operational checklist in the WSH Council's forklift guidelines.
Yes. MOM requires every forklift operator to complete the WSQ Operate Forklift course with an accredited training provider. Operators of forklifts above 5 tonnes must also complete the Heavy Forklift course.
At least once every 3 years. From 1 January 2027, this is mandatory under Section 31(4) of the Workplace Safety and Health Act, and employers must ensure operators have completed it before letting them operate forklifts.
The WSH Council's Guidelines on Safe Operation of Forklift Trucks recommend setting an in-house speed limit and installing speed limiting devices. Many worksites make them a site requirement. We can fit speed limiters to most forklift brands.
Yes. The WSH guidelines say seat belts should be worn at all times so the operator stays inside the overhead guard. Exceptions should only be decided by risk assessment — for example, near wharves where there is a risk of falling into water.
At the start of each day: forks and mast, chains, hoses and tyres, fluid levels or battery, steering and brakes, lights, horn, reverse alarm, seat belt and mirrors. Any defect should be reported and the forklift taken out of use until fixed.
Yes. We retrofit reverse alarms, radar proximity sensors, boundary lights, cameras, speed limiters, seat belts and mirrors on customer-owned forklifts across major brands. Our rental forklifts come with a safety package already fitted.
Last updated: September 2026. This guide summarises public MOM and WSH Council information and is not legal advice — check MOM for the latest requirements.
Tell us the brands and number of forklifts — we will quote the safety features you need.