In the distribution of goods industry, forklifts play a really important role. They can efficiently move product through the distribution process. Nevertheless, they should be used safely. Incorrect operation of forklifts can result in damage to products, injury to workers, and serious accidents that can result in death.
Safety
If you utilize a forklift properly, it is quite safe. Tens of thousands of people are seriously injured in forklifts accidents every year. Dozens are killed in workplace accidents involving forklifts. The tragedy is that nearly all of these accidents are preventable with attention to safety and proper training.
Kinds of Equipment
Forklift operators must be trained on the particular kind of forklift they would be utilizing on the job. A popular type used inside distribution centers and warehouses is the sit-down model. Other kinds of forklifts normally utilized in industry comprise narrow aisle trucks, operator up units and rough terrain units.
Operator Requirements
A forklift operator certification which covers both classroom study and practical evaluations is required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration or OSHA. The three-year certification is not transferable; if switching employers, operators must become recertified.
Load Capacities
Conventional forklifts have a load capacity of 1,800 kilograms to 2,200 kilograms. Higher load capacities up to and over 9,000 kilograms are available in some units. A forklift's load capacity would depend on the unit and its options and attachments.
History
Clark and Yale, the top companies within the international forklift business,were the first to develop forklifts. Ever since the forklift was developed in the 1920s, it has gone through various technological changes, mostly leading to improvements in operator safety and the safe and efficient movement of product.