The Shanghai Municipal Administration for Market Regulation has announced five typical cases concluded in 2025 as part of its ongoing special campaign to enhance forklift operation safety. The initiative aims to promote compliance by enforcing regulations, strengthening the identification and remediation of safety hazards, and cracking down on violations.
Case 1: A company was found using a forklift that failed its periodic inspection. During a safety inspection at a company warehouse in Pudong New Area in January 2025, authorities discovered the forklift had been deemed unqualified on January 7th. The company continued to operate the equipment after receiving a stop-use order on the same day. This violation of the Special Equipment Safety Law of China resulted in an immediate cessation order and a fine of 30,000 yuan.
Case 2: A company was penalized for operating a scrapped forklift. In August 2025, inspectors in Chongming District found a factory using a forklift that had been officially decommissioned. The company was ordered to stop using the equipment immediately and was fined 60,000 yuan for breaching safety regulations.
Case 3: A company employed an unqualified forklift operator. During a May 2025 inspection in Fengxian District, an operator was found driving a forklift without a safety belt and could not provide valid certification. The investigation confirmed the operator lacked the proper license, and the company had taken no disciplinary action for the safety belt violation. The company was ordered to cease the illegal practice and received a combined fine of 11,000 yuan for violating relevant safety laws and management rules.
Case 4: A forklift operator used a forged operation certificate. In December 2024, an inspection in Jinshan District revealed an individual using a counterfeit special equipment operation license. Investigation confirmed the certificate was purchased from another party. The operator was ordered to stop the illegal activity and fined 500 yuan.
Case 5: A company used an unregistered and uninspected forklift. During a May 2025 inspection in Putuo District, a company was found operating a forklift that had not been registered or undergone mandatory inspection. The company was ordered to stop the violation immediately and fined 30,000 yuan.
Safety recommendations were provided: Companies must standardize forklift operations, as human error is a primary cause of accidents. Operators should be certified, wear seat belts, and maintain awareness of their surroundings. Sites should manage traffic flow to prevent pedestrian-vehicle conflicts. Using non-compliant or scrapped forklifts constitutes a major safety hazard under Chinese law. Regular maintenance and self-inspections are essential. Companies are encouraged to invest in safety systems, such as alarms or smart terminals, to provide blind-spot warnings during reversing and turning, and to alert for unlicensed operation or failure to use safety belts, thereby comprehensively mitigating forklift accident risks.