Forklift Mechanics - Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Perth, Newcastle, Adelaide
MLA Holdings Pty Ltd is the exclusive distributor of Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks and Vulcan Container Handling Forklifts in Australia.
We are currently seeking Forklift Mechanics to join our friendly national Service Team.
Locations include,
- Darra, QLD
- Gold Coast, QLD
- Sydney, NSW
- Newcastle, NSW
- Keilor Park, VIC
- Regency Park, SA
- Whyalla, SA (regional)
- Bibra Lake, WA
Our work is diverse and the machines range from forklifts to large container handling forklifts.
Responsibilities:
• Effectively complete preventative maintenance & repairs to OEM standards
• Carry out diagnostic analysis, mechanical and technical repairs as directed on all variations of mobile equipment.
• Ensure on site safety principles and standards are adhered to at all times
• Take pride in your work and presentation
Qualifications
• Trade Certificate in Heavy Vehicles, Plant, Motor Mechanic (or equivalent)
Highly Desirable
• Experience & knowledge of hydraulics, pneumatic and electrical systems
• Experience & knowledge of fault diagnostics and software
Attractive hourly rates are on offer at all locations !
Immediate Start.
To discuss this opportunity in confidence, please contact Alicia @ MLA HR on 02 9765 2000 or email your application to acarmichael@mlaholdings.com.au.
5 Tips on how to operate a forklift safely
Operating a forklift is an important job, and forklift operators take on a lot of responsibility when they get their forklift licence. Forklift trucks are certainly useful, but they also pose certain risks within the workplace. If they are used recklessly, or without following the correct procedures, it can lead to damage of property, and worse, injury or even death. That means, safety always must come first when getting behind the controls.
Here, to give you a refresher, we will go through five things that all operators need to remember in order to be able to operate a forklift safely.
1. Never operate unlicensed
Having a forklift licence is essential before operating a forklift. During the process of obtaining a license, operators go through training that covers all the important safety information. The only courses that are valid for getting a forklift license are those run by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). These courses aren't just like taking a driving lesson – they teach you much more than how to manoeuvre the machine. You will also learn the relevant regulations that must be adhered to in any workplace where forklifts are used.
2. Wear your safety gear
Forklift operators are typically required to wear a hard hat, safety shoes, and high vis clothing at a minimum. You should never operate a forklift without putting these on first. Usually, employers will provide their employees with safety gear, but even if they don't, it is your responsibility to follow up and make sure these things are available to you. Also, make sure your safety gear fits well. Loose clothing items can get stuck in machinery, and loose hard hats aren't protecting anyone.
3. Check the forklift every day
When you start your shift for the day, it is important to thoroughly check the machine before starting operation. You need to make sure the forklift is working properly and is capable of achieving its max reach. Make sure you check covers for the brakes and steering, and that all components are functioning smoothly. It may seem like a burden to do this for every shift, but consider how much worse it will be if you have a malfunction mid-operation. If you notice anything, for example stiff controls, you need to have the machine booked in for repairs and service.
4. Follow speed restrictions
One of the most common causes of injury and damage while operating a forklift is speed. Every workplace has regulations around the maximum speeds a forklift can travel, and these should always be adhered to. Going over the speed limit not only endangers you, but those around you, and your employer's property. So don't risk it. Stick to the limits and don't rush, even if you are behind schedule, forklift safety is absolutely paramount.
5. Don't get complacent
Sometimes when operators have been driving a forklift for a long time, they get complacent and start to cut corners. It is always important to be vigilant when it comes to safety procedures. Keep a keen eye out for any obstacles in your path, avoid bumps and slip hazards, and always sound your horn when approaching an entrance or a blind spot. You also need to keep a safe stopping distance from all other forklifts, at all times. These are just a few of the many safety precautions that will be outlined in your employer's policies, and in your training.
Forklifts are not a toy. If you are getting behind the controls, just as when operating any vehicle or machine, you are taking your own and other's safety into your hands. You always need to follow these tips to ensure that no unnecessary damage or injury results from negligence.
MLA Holdings Pty Ltd can provide you with expert advice on forklift safety, as well as providing safety devices and fleet management systems to enhance your forklift safety. Contact us on 1300 000 652 or visit www.mlaholdings.com.au. Information for this article was sourced from www.dailybulletin.com.au.
Always separate pedestrians from forklift traffic

On public roads we try to separate fast and slow traffic as much as possible, but this is not what we see in many warehouses. As a result, forklifts and pedestrians sometimes come into undesired contact. A well-considered traffic plan prevents fast and slow traffic from crossing each other’s paths.
Yellow and green lines

Warehouses often have areas where many people work intensively at the same time, in an order picking operation for example. Consider marking out separate areas for value-added activities or for preparation of shipments. The people in these zones are mainly focused on their task, not on the traffic around them, so a simple line on the floor is insufficient to separate them from forklifts. You should therefore shield them with physical barriers such as gates, special traffic lights or audible warnings are also available for warehouses or production sites.
The doorway from one hall to another can create a bottleneck. These are usually very busy locations, while views of traffic on the other side of the wall are often limited. It is advisable to make a door for pedestrians, separate to the opening for forklift traffic. Ideally, it should not be too close to the forklift opening, as pedestrians may be tempted to choose the easiest way.Use a fence to lead them to the door. Gates can also be useful to prevent people from entering the driveway directly when entering the warehouse.
Finally, make clear agreements about the use of traffic routes, walkways, crosswalks and entrances. Don't forget to make these agreements known to occasional visitors to the warehouse, like office workers, maintenance engineers or guests from outside. And last but not least, set a good example yourself. If managers don’t use the footpaths, why would other employees?
Have a question about how to separate pedestrians from forklifts or Mitsubishi’s Safety Zone System? Contact us on 1300 000 652 or www.mlaholdings.com.au. Information for this article was sourced from www.forkliftbriefing.com
3 Hazards of workplace forklift use

Forklifts are an incredibly useful tool, but safety must come first.
Forklift operators and pedestrians have a shared responsibility when it comes to powered industrial truck safety in the workplace. There are a number of factors and issues to consider making sure that everyone is in on the safety loop.
Here are three of the more prominent hazards of forklift usage:
Forklift drivers should obey speed limits, but pedestrians should also stay in designated pedestrian walkways. Trucks will slow down and sound the horn at intersections, but pedestrians must watch for forklift traffic. It’s a good practice for the pedestrian and the truck operator to make eye contact to help ensure the pedestrian is recognized and can cross safely.
Download PDF here
MLA August Newsletter 2020
Inside: 40 years of excellence, Managing Director: Matt's Message, A solution from a new direction...
An all-rounder joins the ranks at MLA
We’re delighted to announce the arrival of an impressive 2.5T container forklift to our ranks – the MLA Vulcan.For the full article please download the pdf here.
A celebration to remember: 40 years of excellence
MLA Holdings management, staff and special guests gathered at restaurants around Australia in February-March to celebrate our 40th anniversary and salute retiring Managing Director, Ken Rathgen...For the full article please download the pdf here.
Managing Director: Matt's Message
Australia is a resilient nation, and we at MLA in our 40th year are a very resilient company...For the full article please download the pdf here.
A solution from a new direction
In Western Australia, Doray Minerals needed a forklift that could do regular grunt work at a lithium minerals operation and a much trickier job placing heavy chaff bags into shipping containers...For the full Article please download the pdf here.