Forklift Guard 101: How to Choose the Right One for Your Needs

7 min readJul 19, 2023

Welcome to our guide on forklift safety in Newcastle, Australia. As a safety barriers professional, we understand the importance of protecting workers and preventing accidents in the workplace.

In this guide, we will cover the various types of forklift guards available and the regulations that apply to their use in Newcastle, Australia. We will also discuss the benefits of using forklift guards and provide tips on how to choose the right one for your business.

First, let’s define what a forklift guard is. A forklift guard is a safety device that is attached to the forklift to protect the operator and pedestrians from potential accidents. These guards can be made from a variety of materials, including overhead guards, mesh guards, and solid metal guards.

Now, let’s talk about the importance of forklift safety in Newcastle, Australia. According to Safe Work Australia.

Forklifts are one of the leading causes of workplace accidents, injuries, and fatalities. In Newcastle, it is essential for businesses to prioritise forklift safety to protect their workers and prevent costly accidents.

In addition to Safe Work Australia regulations, local government regulations may also apply to the use of forklift guards in Newcastle, Australia. It is important for businesses to familiarise themselves with these regulations and ensure compliance to avoid fines and other penalties.

Now that we have a better understanding of what forklift guards are and why they are important in Newcastle, Australia, let’s take a closer look at the different types available.

Types of forklift guards

When it comes to choosing the right forklift guard for your business, there are several options to consider. Each type of forklift guard has its own unique features and benefits, and the best one for your business will depend on your specific needs and requirements.

Let’s take a look at the three main types of forklift guards available:

Overhead guards: Overhead guards are designed to protect the operator and pedestrians from falling objects and other hazards that may be present in the forklift’s path. These guards are typically made from a sturdy metal frame with a clear acrylic or polycarbonate panel to allow visibility. Overhead guards can be customised to fit the specific dimensions of your forklift and are ideal for use in warehouses and other industrial environments.
Mesh guards: Mesh guards are a popular choice for forklifts that are used outdoors or in environments where visibility is important. These guards are made from a sturdy metal frame with a mesh panel that allows for maximum visibility and airflow. Mesh guards are lightweight and easy to install, making them a convenient choice for businesses that need to move their forklifts between different locations.
Solid metal guards: Solid metal guards are designed for use in heavy-duty environments where maximum protection is required. These guards are made from a solid metal panel and are typically used on forklifts that are used for handling heavy loads or working in hazardous conditions. While solid metal guards offer the highest level of protection, they may limit visibility and are not suitable for all environments.

When choosing a forklift guard, it is important to consider the size and weight of the forklift, the type of goods being moved, and the environment in which the forklift will be used. It is also a good idea to consult with a safety barriers professional to determine the best option for your business.

Regulations for forklift guards in Newcastle, Australia

Ensuring compliance with relevant regulations is an essential aspect of forklift safety in Newcastle, Australia. Let’s take a look at the two main sets of regulations that apply to the use of forklift guards in this region:

Safe Work Australia requirements: The Occupational Health Services Australia sets out specific requirements for the use of forklift guards in Australia, including Newcastle, Australia. According to their regulations, forklifts must be equipped with overhead guards to protect the operator from falling objects and other hazards. In addition, solid metal guards or mesh guards may be required for forklifts that are used in certain hazardous environments.
Local government regulations: In addition to Safe Work Australia requirements, local government regulations may also apply to the use of forklift guards in Newcastle, Australia. It is important for businesses to familiarise themselves with these regulations and ensure compliance to avoid fines and other penalties.

In summary, it is essential for businesses in Newcastle, Australia to ensure that their forklifts are equipped with the appropriate type of guard and that they are in compliance with Safe Work Australia and local government regulations. By following these guidelines, businesses can protect their workers and prevent accidents in the workplace.

Benefits of using forklift guards

In addition to protecting workers and preventing accidents, there are several other benefits of using forklift guards in Newcastle, Australia. Let’s take a look at some of the key benefits of using forklift guards:

Improved safety: The most obvious benefit of using forklift guards is the improved safety they provide for forklift operators and pedestrians. By protecting against falling objects, collisions, and other hazards, forklift guards can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and injuries in the workplace.
Reduced risk of damage: Forklift guards can also help to prevent damage to goods and equipment. For example, overhead guards can protect against falling objects and collisions, while mesh guards can prevent debris from entering the forklift’s path. By reducing the risk of damage, businesses can save money on repairs and replacements and improve their bottom line.
Insurance cost savings: Using forklift guards can also result in cost savings on insurance premiums. Many insurance providers offer discounts to businesses that take proactive measures to improve safety in the workplace. By using forklift guards, businesses can potentially reduce their insurance costs and improve their overall profitability.

In summary, the benefits of using forklift guards in Newcastle, Australia go beyond just improved safety. By protecting against accidents, damage, and insurance costs, forklift guards can provide a range of benefits that can improve the bottom line of businesses in this region.

How to choose the right forklift guard for your business

When it comes to choosing the right forklift guard for your business, there are several factors to consider. The best forklift guard for your business will depend on your specific needs and requirements, as well as the size and weight of the forklift and the type of goods being moved. Here are some tips to help you choose the right forklift guard for your business:

Consider the size and weight of the forklift: The size and weight of the forklift will determine the type of guard that is suitable. For example, lighter forklifts may be able to use a mesh guard, while heavier forklifts may require a solid metal guard.
Think about the type of goods being moved: The type of goods being moved will also impact the type of forklift guard that is suitable. For example, if you are moving fragile goods, you may want to consider an overhead guard to protect against falling objects. On the other hand, if you are moving large, heavy loads, a solid metal guard may be more suitable.
Consider the environment in which the forklift will be used: The environment in which the forklift will be used is another important factor to consider when choosing a forklift guard. For example, if the forklift will be used outdoors, a mesh guard may be a good choice to allow for visibility and airflow. On the other hand, if the forklift is used in a hazardous environment, a solid metal guard may be required to provide maximum protection.
Consult with a safety barriers professional: If you are unsure of which forklift guard is best for your business, it is a good idea to consult with a safety barriers professional. These experts can assess your specific needs and recommend the best forklift guard for your business.

By considering these factors and consulting with a safety barriers professional, you can ensure that you choose the right forklift guard for your business in Newcastle, Australia.

Maintenance and inspection of forklift guards

Once you have chosen the right forklift guard for your business, it is important to ensure that it is properly maintained and inspected. Regular maintenance and inspections can help to ensure that the forklift guard is in good working condition and compliant with relevant regulations. Here are some tips for maintaining and inspecting forklift guards in Newcastle, Australia:

Schedule regular inspections: It is a good idea to schedule regular inspections of your forklift guards to ensure that they are functioning properly and in compliance with regulations. These inspections can be performed by a safety barriers professional or by trained in-house staff.
Repair and replace damaged or worn guards: If any damage or wear is discovered during an inspection, it is important to repair or replace the forklift guard as soon as possible. Damaged or worn forklift guards can compromise the safety of workers and may result in fines or other penalties if they are not properly addressed.
Follow manufacturer’s guidelines: It is also important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance and inspection of forklift guards. These guidelines will provide specific instructions on how to properly maintain and inspect the forklift guard to ensure its optimal performance.

By scheduling regular inspections, repairing and replacing damaged or worn guards, and following manufacturer’s guidelines, businesses in Newcastle, Australia can ensure that their forklift guards are in good working condition and compliant with regulations. This will help to protect workers and prevent accidents in the workplace.

In conclusion, forklift safety products are an essential aspect of workplace safety in Newcastle, Australia. By using forklift guards, businesses can protect their workers and prevent accidents in the workplace. There are several types of forklift guards available, each with its own unique features and benefits. It is important for businesses to choose the right forklift guard for their specific needs and to ensure compliance with Safe Work Australia and local government regulations.

In addition to improved safety, using forklift guards can also result in cost savings on insurance premiums and reduced risk of damage to goods and equipment. By properly maintaining and inspecting forklift guards, businesses can ensure that they are in good working condition and compliant with regulations. By following these guidelines, businesses in Newcastle, Australia, can improve safety and protect their workers from potential accidents.