The Daily Pre-Use Inspection

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Under PUWER 1998 regulation 6 and L117 (2022). You MUST ensure the truck is safe to use before it is operated. The only way to prove that is by a daily pre-use inspection check at the start of the day, shift or when the truck changes hands.

What happens if you skip or fake the pre use inspection?

• A failed chain, bold tire, or leaking hydraulics can cause a tip over, injuries or major damage to stock.
• If an accident occurs and the is no proof of the pre use inspection taking place, the HSE and your insurer will treat it as automatic negligence. 
• Real prosecutions in 2024-2025 racked up anywhere between £68,000-£450,000 fines and even personal prosecutions of managers for exactly this failure. 

A proper 2-minute inspection check catches 95% of faults that cause accidents. One cracked fork heel spotted today can prevent a dropped 2 tonne pallet tomorrow.

Your legal and moral responsibilities in 3 lines:

• Identify faults before they cause harm.
• Protect your operators and everyone around them.
• prove due diligence if the worst happens.

Every single day, before any counterbalance truck moves even an inch, the LAW and common sense demand a full pre-use inspection.