Duties of a Forklift Operator
The most common area for lift truck operators to be employed are in factories and warehouses. Their responsibilities would comprise the lifting and moving of materials and loads from one place to another. They must be taught to safely operate the lift truck controls. Specialized training is a prerequisite. Drivers must have a background check and pass a drug test.
Performing Checks
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires that all lift truck operators perform a daily pre-shift forklift check. Lift truck operator training must consist of the correct performance of safety checks to guarantee optimum functionality. An inspection should also be done at the end of each shift. Regular safety training must be undertaken every year.
Unloading and Loading
The forklift operator is tasked with the job of loading and unloading materials in a timely and safe way. This job also involves the stacking of supplies in an organized method so they are accessible.
Weighing Materials
The responsibilities of a forklift driver can include weighing the supplies that are being moved and recording the weights.
Quality Control
The operator of the lift truck will be in charge of quality control. They have to 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 should exhibit a high level of concern for the safety of employees and pedestrians. The operator will need to find the safest way to handle difficulties, such as navigating a steep surface with a load. The operator must determine the route that is the safest. An operator's training will involve learning about the elements which may cause a lift truck to tip over. The driver must be very familiar with the safety ratings and design of the lift truck unit that they are using. A forklift driver needs to be sensitive to the need for breaks to avoid fatigue. Accidents connected to lift trucks are more likely to happen when an operator is exhausted.