Duties of a Forklift Operator
The most common area for forklift operators to be employed are in warehouses and factories. Their tasks will include the lifting and transporting of materials and goods from one place to another. They must be taught to operate the forklift controls safely. Specialized training is a requirement. Drivers should have a background check and pass a drug test.
Performing Inspections
OSHA and HRSDC both require lift truck operators to carry out daily and pre-shift checks. Lift truck operator training should include the proper performance of safety checks to assure optimum functionality. An inspection should also be done at the end of every shift. Regular safety training must be undertaken each year.
Loading and Unloading
The forklift operator is tasked with the job of loading and unloading supplies in a timely and safe method. This responsibility also includes the organized stacking of goods so they are accessible.
Weighing Supplies
The duties of a forklift operator can include weighing the materials that are being moved and recording the weights.
Quality Control
Forklift drivers are in charge of quality control. They should make sure that goods do not sustain damage during transportation inside the warehouse and orders are correct.
Safety Awareness
Lift truck operators should have great skills in both awareness and attention. Operators need to be very concerned with the safety of personnel and pedestrians. The driver should find the safest way to deal with challenges, like for instance navigating a steep surface with a load. The operator must determine the route which is the safest. A driver's training would include learning about the elements that could cause a forklift to tip over. The operator must be really familiar with the safety ratings and design of the lift truck unit which they are utilizing. A lift truck operator should be sensitive to the need for breaks to prevent exhaustion. Mishaps connected to forklifts are more likely to occur when a driver is exhausted.