Forklift Refresher Training in Singapore: What Employers Must Do by 2027
Short answer: MOM is making forklift refresher training mandatory from 1 January 2027. Every forklift operator in Singapore must attend Forklift Operator Refresher Training at least once every 3 years. All forklift operators have until 1 January 2027 to comply. Employers must make sure their operators have completed it before letting them operate a forklift.
Why MOM introduced it
From 2022 to 2023, vehicular incidents were the leading cause of fatal injuries at work in Singapore, and 1 in 4 of these deaths involved forklifts. MOM also found that close to 8 in 10 forklift-related contraventions involved operators who had not completed refresher training in the past 3 years.
What MOM requires
- Who: all forklift operators.
- Deadline: all forklift operators have until 1 January 2027 to comply. MOM has said it intends to amend the workplace safety and health laws to make this mandatory from that date.
- How often: at least once every 3 years after completing the WSQ Operate Forklift course, and then at least once every 3 years after the previous refresher.
- Employer’s duty: occupiers, employers and principals are responsible for making sure their forklift operators complete the refresher course within the required timeframe before authorising them to operate forklifts.
- Where: the course must be taken with an approved training provider. MOM’s circular lists the approved providers, and THT Academy is one of them.
What the refresher course covers
MOM’s enhanced refresher course is 12 hours in three parts:
- 4 hours of e-learning, done online at the learner’s own pace, with an assessment
- 4 hours of case study group discussion
- 4 hours of hands-on practical training, with an assessment
Topics include WSH legislation and SS 573 on forklift operations, reading the load chart, forklift stability when travelling, loading and unloading, pre- and post-operational checks, safe operating techniques, lessons from past accidents, and essential safety rules.
How to plan for your team
- List every forklift operator, with the date they completed the WSQ Operate Forklift course or their last refresher.
- Book a refresher for each operator who needs one before 1 January 2027. MOM advises employers to plan and schedule refresher training well in advance.
- Spread your operators across different class dates so you are never short of drivers on a workshop day.
- Keep a copy of each operator’s certificate, and note when their next refresher is due, 3 years later.
Forklift refresher training at THT Academy
- Format: 4 hours of online e-learning, completed before a 1-day in-person workshop with case studies and a hands-on practical, both with assessments.
- Who can attend: operators who hold a valid forklift licence (the certificate from the WSQ Operate Forklift course) and are at least 18 years old.
- Languages: English and Mandarin.
- Funding: English classes are eligible for SWDA Course Fee Funding for eligible learners.
- Where: THT Academy, Woodlands Spectrum 1, 2 Woodlands Sector 1, #01-03, Singapore 738068.
Fees and class dates are on the Forklift Operator Refresher Training course page. Booking for a group? Contact us at sales@thtc.com.sg or 6269 5269.
Frequently asked questions
When does forklift refresher training become mandatory?
MOM is making it mandatory from 1 January 2027. All forklift operators have until that date to comply.
How often must forklift operators attend refresher training?
At least once every 3 years, counted from the WSQ Operate Forklift course and then from each previous refresher.
Who is responsible for making sure operators attend?
Occupiers, employers and principals. They must make sure their forklift operators complete the refresher course in time before authorising them to operate forklifts.
How long is the forklift refresher course?
12 hours. At THT Academy, this is 4 hours of online e-learning followed by a 1-day in-person workshop.
Where can operators take the refresher course?
With an approved training provider. THT Academy is on MOM’s list of approved providers for Forklift Operator Refresher Training.
What if an operator has never done the WSQ Operate Forklift course?
The refresher is for trained operators. Anyone who operates a forklift must first complete the WSQ Operate Forklift course. See our forklift certification guide.
Ready to book? See class dates:
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