Duties of a Forklift Operator
The most common area for lift truck drivers to be employed are in warehouses and factories. Their tasks would comprise the lifting and transporting of supplies and goods from one area to another. They should be trained to utilized the lift truck controls safely. Specialized training is a prerequisite. Drivers should have a background check and pass a drug test.
Performing Inspections
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires that all forklift drivers carry out a daily pre-shift forklift check. Forklift operator training must consist of the correct performance of safety inspections to assure optimum functionality. An inspection should also be done at the end of each shift. Regular safety training should be undertaken every year.
Loading and Unloading
The forklift operator is tasked with the job of loading and unloading materials in a timely and safe method. This responsibility also involves the stacking of goods in an organized way so they are accessible.
Weighing Supplies
The duties of a forklift driver can include weighing the materials which are being transported and recording the weights.
Quality Control
Forklift operators are in charge of quality control. They should make certain orders are correct and that goods do not sustain damage during transportation in the warehouse.
Safety Awareness
A responsible forklift operator should have excellent skills in attention and awareness to safety. Drivers must exhibit a high level of concern for the safety of employees and pedestrians. The driver must find the safest way to handle challenges, like for instance navigating a steep surface with a cargo. The operator should determine the safest route to take. A driver's training would include learning about the elements which can cause a lift truck to tip over. The operator needs to be very familiar with the safety ratings and design of the lift truck unit that they are using. A forklift driver must be sensitive to the need for breaks to avoid exhaustion. Mishaps connected to forklifts are more likely to take place when a driver is tired.