Operators should conduct a visual inspection during the prestart-up check, giving special attention to looking for cracks and permanent distortions. A thorough inspection of forks should be done at least once a year (single-shift operation) and more frequently in severe applications. A 10 percent reduction in fork thickness reduces fork capacity by 20 percent. Measuring fork wear is only one of several steps in the inspection and repair of forks recommended by the Industrial Truck Association.