Duties of a Forklift Operator
The most common area for lift truck operators to be employed are in warehouses and factories. Their responsibilities would comprise the lifting and moving of materials and goods from one area to another. They should be trained to operate the lift truck controls safely. Specialized training is a prerequisite. Operators should have a background check and pass a drug test.
Performing Checks
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires that all forklift operators carry out a daily pre-shift forklift check. Lift truck driver training must consist of the proper performance of safety checks to assure optimum functionality. An inspection must also be done at the end of every shift. Regular safety training should be undertaken on an annual basis.
Loading and Unloading
Lift truck drivers perform tasks related to unloading and loading supplies in a safe and timely manner. This job also includes the stacking of supplies in an organized way so they are accessible.
Weighing Materials
The responsibilities of a lift truck driver could include weighing the supplies that are being moved and recording the weights.
Quality Control
The operator of the forklift would be in charge of quality control. They must make certain that goods do not sustain damage during transportation inside the warehouse and orders are accurate.
Safety Awareness
A responsible forklift driver should have exceptional skills in awareness and attention to safety. Drivers should exhibit a high level of concern for the safety of both personnel and pedestrians. The driver must find the safest way to handle challenges, such as navigating a steep surface with a cargo. The operator will need to determine the route that is the safest. An operator's training would include learning about the forces that might cause a forklift to tip over. The operator must be really familiar with the design and safety ratings of the forklift unit which they are operating. A lift truck operator needs to be sensitive to the need for breaks to avoid exhaustion. Forklift accidents are more likely to occur when an operator is tired.