The True Cost of a Missed FLT Check (It's More Than You Think)          

 For many businesses, the daily forklift check is seen as a five-minute chore to be rushed through. But what is the real cost of a missed check? It's far more than just a compliance issue.

A missed check that fails to spot a small hydraulic leak or a worn tyre doesn't just disappear. It develops into a bigger, more expensive problem.

Here’s the true cost breakdown:

1. The Cost of Downtime The most immediate cost is operational. A forklift that's unexpectedly out of service can bring a production line to a halt or stop a lorry from being loaded. Every minute it's not working, you are losing money and efficiency. A simple daily check can spot the small faults before they become major breakdowns.

2. The Cost of Reactive Repairs A minor fault, like a loose bolt or a low fluid level, is cheap and quick to fix during routine maintenance. If left unchecked, it can cause catastrophic damage to the engine or hydraulic system, leading to repair bills that run into the thousands. The five minutes spent on a pre-use check is a tiny investment to protect an asset worth tens of thousands of pounds.

3. The Cost of an Accident This is the cost no one wants to consider. A failure in the brakes, steering, or mast that could have been identified in a daily check can lead to a serious accident, injuring your operator and other staff. The subsequent HSE investigation, fines, and reputational damage can be devastating for a business.

A daily FLT checklist isn't just red tape. It's your first line of defence against downtime, expensive repairs, and tragic accidents. It empowers your operators to take ownership of their equipment and builds a proactive safety culture that protects your people and your bottom line.

So, how do you ensure this vital check is never missed? By providing your team with a tool that is simple, robust, and creates an instant auditable record. With SG World's industry-leading FLT Pre Use Inspection Checklists, you get a clear, time-stamped paper trail for every inspection, making it easy to prove compliance and spot recurring issues before they escalate.

Don't leave safety to chance. Equip your team with the right tools today and make every check count.