A forklift cage is a work platform designed to be mounted onto a forklift to safely lift personnel for temporary tasks at height. It is commonly used in warehouses, factories, and industrial facilities where elevated access is required but installing permanent access equipment is not practical.
Forklift cages are not general-purpose lifting tools. They are intended for specific, controlled activities and must be used correctly to avoid serious safety risks.
A forklift cage (also called a forklift man basket or work platform) is a metal enclosure that attaches securely to forklift forks. It typically includes guardrails, toe boards, a non-slip floor, and a locking mechanism to prevent the cage from sliding or tipping during lifting.
When properly designed and secured, the cage allows workers to be raised to height while remaining protected from falls and unintended movement.
Forklift cages are used for short-duration, non-routine tasks, such as:
Maintenance or repair work at height
Stock checking or adjustment in racking systems
Lighting, signage, or sensor installation
Inspection of overhead structures or equipment
They are commonly used when access equipment like scissor lifts or boom lifts is unavailable, impractical, or excessive for the task.
Using a forklift to lift people introduces significant risk if the cage is not designed or used correctly. Risks include falling from height, cage instability, or accidental movement of the forklift. Because of this, forklift cages are treated as safety-critical attachments, not simple accessories.
Industrial safety providers such as Cubetech Solution Sdn Bhd emphasise that forklift cages must be purpose-built, securely attached, and used only under controlled conditions with trained operators.
To be used safely, a forklift cage should:
Be designed specifically for personnel lifting
Have secure fork pockets and locking pins or chains
Include full guardrails and toe boards
Display a clearly marked safe working load (SWL)
Be used only with a trained forklift operator and a worker inside the cage
The forklift must remain stationary during lifting, and workers should never climb in or out of the cage while elevated.
Forklift cages are suitable for occasional, controlled access tasks. They should not replace proper access equipment for frequent or long-duration work at height. If elevated work is routine, purpose-built lifting platforms are generally safer and more appropriate.
Cubetech Solution Sdn Bhd supplies forklift cages designed for industrial safety applications. Its forklift cage solutions focus on structural stability, secure attachment, and compliance with workplace safety expectations, supporting safer temporary access in warehouses and industrial facilities.
A forklift cage is a practical solution for temporary work at height when used correctly and under controlled conditions. Its purpose is to provide a safer alternative to unsafe climbing or improvised access methods. By selecting a properly designed forklift cage and following safe operating procedures—supported by solutions from Cubetech Solution Sdn Bhd—organisations can reduce fall risks and improve safety during elevated tasks.
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