SINGAPORE: From 2027, all forklift operators in Singapore will be required to attend a refresher course at least once every three years.

The move, announced on Wednesday (Nov 6), is part of efforts to improve excellence in workplace safety and health (WSH), the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) said.

Vehicular incidents were the leading cause of fatal workplace injuries between 2022 and 2023, and a quarter of these vehicular deaths involved forklifts, the ministry said in a news release.

In the same period, MOM inspections found that around 80 per cent of forklift-related violations involved operators who had not received refresher training in three years.

“According to WSH guidelines on the safe operation of forklifts, all forklift operators are required to attend a refresher course once every three years after completing the first training course,” MOM said.

The new requirement will take effect from 2027 to allow forklift operators enough time to attend refresher training, the ministry added.

An enhanced refresher training course for forklift operators will also be launched next year, providing operators with essential skills through theoretical and practical training, MOM said.

The course will cover key security concepts, industry guidelines, learnings from past incidents and practical practices.

“Participants will refresh their knowledge of practical forklift operating skills and learn to recognize and manage potential risks, preparing them for everyday operational challenges,” the ministry said.

“This will reinforce the safety awareness of forklift operators and reinforce compliance with safety regulations.”

“Forklift operators are recommended to complete the training as soon as possible to stay up to date with safe operating practices,” the ministry said.

Employers and managers are responsible for ensuring their operators complete the refresher course within the specified time frame before allowing them to operate forklifts, it added.

More details on the refresher training requirement will be given later, MOM said.